What is a bench conference?

A bench conference refers to a private conversation between attorneys and a judge that takes place during a court proceeding. This is typically held away from the jury and outside of the public record, allowing for a candid discussion on various legal matters without the presence of the jury.

During a bench conference, attorneys may seek clarifications on legal issues, discuss evidentiary matters, or address any concerns that might affect the trial's proceedings. This setting is crucial because it allows lawyers to present arguments or raise issues that could be sensitive or require confidentiality, ensuring that the trial continues to run smoothly without unnecessary distractions.

The other options mentioned do not accurately describe a bench conference. While discussions of case law among justices and formal hearings involve judicial processes, they occur under different circumstances and typically do not involve the same dynamic as a bench conference. A meeting of legal scholars, while it may involve significant legal discussions, occurs outside the courtroom context and is not connected to ongoing cases in the way a bench conference is.