Can a judge acquit an obviously innocent person who insists on a jury trial?

Question

Jane Doe is charged with a crime. She is obviously innocent, but in court, she insists on a jury trial. Can a judge ignore her demand and acquit her without a jury?

Answer 1

Can a judge acquit an obviously innocent person who insists on a jury trial?

Yes. This is part of the doctrine of judicial economy and the requirements of "[w]ise judicial administration, giving regard to conservation of judicial resources and comprehensive disposition of litigation". Kerotest Mfg. Co. v. C-O-TWO Co., 342 U.S. 180, 183 (1952).

In line with phoog's comment, it would make no sense for a judge to artificially maintain proceedings where the counterparty (in this case the prosecutor) either withdrew or should have withdrawn.