Bench or jury for breach of contract cases...

Asked over 1 year ago - Chula Vista, CA

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Which is better for Defendants in breach of contract cases? Jury trial or bench trial?

Attorney answers (3)

  1. Contributor Level 20

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    Answered January 21, 2012 15:21. Without knowing ANYTHING about your particular lawsuit, including the amount at stake or whether you are represented by counsel or the judge assigned to the casel, it is impossible to advise you accurately.

    However, generally speaking, breach of contract cases rarely get tried before juries because jury trials are much more expensive to try, and most civil juries aren't too thrilled to be hearing such disputes.

    The information presented here is general in nature and is not intended, nor should be construed, as legal advice.... more
  2. Contributor Level 20

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    Answered January 21, 2012 21:27. Good answers by both my colleagues. In my experience, if the defense is very technical, one is usualy better off with a bench trial. If the defense is bases on "equity" (hard luck, impossibility of performance) then a jury would be better. Preparing jury instructions and posting of jury fees are a complexity and expense that need to be considered.

    The above is general legal and business analysis. It is not "legal advise" but analysis, and different lawyers may... more
  3. Contributor Level 19

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    Answered January 21, 2012 15:58. My colleague is absolutely right. Without knowing about the facts about the case, the claims, and the parties, there is no way anyone can answer.

    You need to speak with a local litigator who has expertise in trying your type of contact case in the specific venue (where the case will be tried). If you cannot afford an attorney for full representation, at the very least retain an attorney so they can advise you on the law and procedure.

    This answer is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice regarding your question and does not... more

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