What is bifurcation in legal trials?

Bifurcation in legal trials refers to the process of dividing a trial into two separate parts for the purposes of addressing specific issues independently. This approach allows for certain legal or factual issues to be resolved separately from others, which can streamline the trial process and focus on the most critical aspects of the case without the complication of unrelated issues being introduced simultaneously.

This technique is often employed in complex cases where distinguishing between different claims or defenses may help clarify the legal arguments and facilitate a more efficient resolution. For instance, in a civil case involving both liability and damages, a court may first determine liability (whether the defendant is at fault) before moving on to the issue of damages (the compensation owed). By isolating these elements, jurors and judges can concentrate on the specifics of each part without the potential confusion that can arise when all issues are presented at once.

Bifurcation can also benefit the parties involved by potentially leading to a quicker settlement on certain aspects of the case or even the case as a whole, depending on the findings of the first trial segment. This approach is distinct from other legal processes such as settling out of court or negotiating with jurors, which do not involve the judicial determination of issues through trial.