waiver of jury trial
Definition
A waiver of jury trial is when both parties in a legal dispute agree to give up their right to have a jury decide the outcome of their case. Instead of twelve ordinary citizens hearing the evidence and delivering a verdict, a judge alone reviews everything and makes the final decision. This waiver is often buried in contracts as a clause that both parties sign before any dispute ever arises.
Example
You sign a commercial lease for your shop, and buried in the fine print is a jury trial waiver clause, which means that if you ever sue your landlord over repairs or they sue you over rent, a judge alone will decide who wins.
Watch Out
Many business contracts contain pre-signed jury trial waivers that you unknowingly agree to, so always read the fine print before signing anything.
See which terms appear in your contract?
This definition is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a licensed attorney for legal guidance.