Court Reporter Practice Exam

What does 'bifurcation' mean in a legal context?

1. Splitting a trial into different locations

2. Dividing the case into two separate branches

3. Combining multiple cases into one

4. Summarizing two related cases

The correct answer is: Dividing the case into two separate branches

In a legal context, bifurcation refers to the process of dividing a case into two separate parts or branches. This typically occurs during a trial when the court determines that some issues of the case can be resolved independently from others. For example, in a civil case, the liability phase may be separated from the damages phase, allowing the court to first address whether the defendant is liable before considering how much compensation should be awarded, if any. This division can streamline the trial process, making it more efficient by allowing the jury or judge to focus on one aspect of the case at a time without being influenced by other issues that may complicate the proceedings. Bifurcation is often used in complex trials—such as those involving large amounts of evidence or complicated legal questions—to facilitate a clearer understanding and determination of key issues. In contrast, splitting a trial into different locations is not typically referred to as bifurcation, and similarly combining multiple cases or summarizing them would not reflect the legal process that bifurcation entails, which specifically is about splitting one case into two distinct branches for resolution.