Why are cases that are brought in family court heard only by a judge? Many such cases are matters of life and death: juvenile murder suspects, spousal abuse (sometimes), child abuse and neglect (sometimes), custody matters, and highly contested divorces in which substantial property is at stake.

The answer can't be that the courts are already overcrowded as it is. If that were the reason, then the civil courts would refuse to hear so many frivolous lawsuits.

I'm primarily interested in criminal law and, specifically, murder trials. However, the American system of family law appalls me. I really do think it's a mystery.