What is the role of the judge in a criminal trial?

The judge plays a crucial role in a criminal trial, primarily focused on ensuring that the trial is conducted fairly and according to the law. One of their key responsibilities is to interpret the law for the jury, which includes providing legal guidance on how the law applies to the case being presented. This helps the jury understand the legal standards they must consider when making their decisions.

By interpreting the law, the judge ensures that all parties understand the legal framework within which the trial operates, guiding the jury in their deliberations and keeping the proceedings aligned with legal principles. The judge also rules on evidentiary issues, manages courtroom procedures, and ensures that the rights of the accused are protected throughout the trial. This judicial oversight contributes to the fairness and integrity of the judicial process, allowing for a just resolution of the case at hand.

In contrast, other roles mentioned in the option set, such as representing the prosecution, providing character witnesses, or advising the defense attorney, do not align with the neutral and impartial function that a judge is expected to perform in a criminal trial.