What occurs during a bench conference?

During a bench conference, a private discussion takes place between the attorneys and the judge, typically held at the judge's bench in the courtroom. This setting allows for sensitive legal matters to be addressed without the jury or public present. The discussions can involve various issues, such as legal objections, evidentiary matters, trial procedures, or strategies, all aimed at ensuring that the trial proceeds smoothly and fairly.

The privacy of a bench conference is crucial to protect the integrity of the legal process, as it enables attorneys to communicate legal points that may not be suitable for the jury to hear, ensuring that jurors are not influenced by potential prejudicial information. This distinctively separates bench conferences from other courtroom activities where jury involvement or public announcements are necessary.