US Trends

courts of general jurisdiction typically have a judge and jury. a judge only. a jury only. a panel of judges.

Courts of general jurisdiction typically have a judge and jury.

In other words, these trial-level courts (often called superior or district courts, depending on the system) usually conduct hearings where:

  • A judge presides over the courtroom, rules on procedure, and instructs the jury on the law.
  • A jury is empaneled to hear evidence and decide the facts of the case, especially in criminal trials and many civil trials.

So, among the options you listed:

  • a judge and jury ✅ (typical for general jurisdiction trial courts)
  • a judge only ❌
  • a jury only ❌
  • a panel of judges ❌ (that is typical of appellate courts, not courts of general jurisdiction).