In a jury trial, which statement best describes the judge's role?

• A. Instructs the jury as to the law involved in the case.
• B. Presides over the trial and protects the rights of those involved.
• C. Both A and B.
• D. Represents the defendant.

Answer: (C)

In a jury trial, the judge acts as the impartial keeper of the process, guiding how the trial proceeds and ensuring fairness. This includes two key duties: presiding over the trial and protecting the rights of everyone involved, and instructing the jury on the law that applies to the case. The judge rules on motions and objections, determines what evidence can be heard, and then explains to the jury the legal standards they must apply to the facts. Representing the defendant isn’t the judge’s role; that’s the job of the defense attorney (and the prosecutor represents the state). So the description that combines both directing the trial and teaching the jury the applicable law best captures the judge’s role.