Section One: Judge-alone Trials

Introduction

When you preside with your partner Justice over a Judge-alone trial, one of you acts as the 'lead' Justice and one as the 'associate' (also sometimes called 'first' and 'second' Justice). The lead Justice interacts with prosecutor, lawyer, defendant and others and runs the proceedings. The associate takes notes and keeps track of paperwork and other aspects. However you are both equally responsible for the decision that you make together, so it is vital that both Justices listen to everything that is said by every witness.

The order of events in a Judge-alone trial is so well known to lawyers and prosecutors that it sometimes seems that the bench does not run the court at all. But rest assured everyone has their eye on the bench. If you wish to stop, to take notes for example, you only have to speak and proceedings will stop. Each participant will also wait for your indication to begin when it is their turn to speak.

Reading

• Judicial JP Manual, chapter 10