What does it mean when the proceedings are described as being conducted without the jury?

When proceedings are described as being conducted without a jury, it indicates that the judge is handling the case alone, which allows for the discussion and review of potentially sensitive matters. In this context, the absence of a jury provides the opportunity for the court to address issues that may not be suitable for a jury to hear, often related to confidential information, legal strategies, or other elements that require discretion and sensitivity.

This type of setting ensures that the proceedings can be kept private, safeguarding the integrity of the case and the rights of those involved. It also allows the judge to make rulings on legal issues without the presence of jurors, focusing on the application of law rather than the factual determinations that a jury would typically make.