What are the two main types of trial processes available for criminal cases in Texas?

In Texas, the two primary trial processes for criminal cases are a jury trial and a bench trial. A jury trial involves a group of peers who listen to the evidence presented in court and make a decision regarding the guilt or innocence of the defendant. This process is foundational to the American legal system, providing the accused with a chance for impartial judgment by a jury of their peers.

In contrast, a bench trial is presided over solely by a judge who acts as both the fact-finder and the authority responsible for ensuring that the trial proceeds according to the law. In this type of trial, the judge evaluates the evidence and renders a verdict without the involvement of a jury.

The other options do not represent the official trial processes recognized for criminal cases in Texas. Arbitration and mediation are alternative dispute resolution methods typically used in civil cases rather than in the criminal justice system. Mini-trials and mock trials are more educational or practice-oriented scenarios rather than actual legal proceedings for criminal matters. Trial by jury and trial de novo refer to concepts associated with jury trials and appeals but do not distinctly categorize trial processes in the same way as jury and bench trials do.