[NotYourAverageDhimmi]

Judges in big trials are like referees in major sporting events -- while they have influence on the outcome, they don't want to be the one who actually decides the outcome. So they put it in the jury's hands.

I used to be a criminal defense attorney. I have never actually witnessed a judge dismiss the case after the prosecution presented it's case-in-chief.

[Paladin2]

"like referees"

I can see not granting the dismissal on Political Grounds. The "referee" is on the take (not untypical for the State to support the State - based on personal experience).