Nothing would change. Judges would still have to hear the cases. The only difference is that instead of a jury determining the facts and the judge apply the law, and the jury rendering a verdict. The judge would determine both the facts and the law.
There are no jury trials in England except defamation cases and criminal trials.What would happen if there was no jury in civil cases?
In the USA, it would probably speed up the judicial system. Defense sawyers would not have to sort through the cases where they believe a jury would not understand complex facts. Settlement would likely occur faster. There is also the likelihood that the sympathy factor for say, an injured person, would play a lesser role if the case is tried to the Court.
Our country has not used a jury system since 1910. The quality of judgements (based on proper evaluation of precedent and evidence) has excellent reputation for fairness. The absence of a jury means that the cases are processed faster and damages claims are within reasonable limits, i.e there is no such thing as punitive damages - each and every head of damages has to be proved by the Plaintiff. Of course there are tiers of higher courts to appeal to provided there are any legal grounds for appeals.
Also it is difficult to find ';12 men good and true'; in RSA.
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