A defendant choosing to be tried by a judge waives which right?

Choosing to be tried by a judge instead of a jury involves waiving the right to be tried by an impartial jury, which is a fundamental aspect of the legal system designed to ensure fairness in trials. The Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in criminal cases. By opting for a bench trial, where the judge serves as the sole fact-finder, the defendant is foregoing this specific right.

This decision may be made for various reasons, such as the belief that a judge may be more knowledgeable or fairer regarding the legal issues at hand, or concerns about the biases that might exist within a jury pool. Regardless of the rationale, the choice signifies a deliberate waiver of the juror's role in determining the outcome of the case.

The other rights listed, such as the right to counsel, the right to appeal, and the right to remain silent, are not waived simply by choosing a bench trial. The defendant remains entitled to legal representation, has the ability to appeal the trial's outcome, and can choose whether or not to testify in their defense.