Ark. R. Crim. P. 31.4 (2026)

Rule 31.4. Waiver of Trial by Jury: Capital Felonies.

No defendant charged with a capital felony may waive either trial by jury on the issue of guilt or the right to have sentence determined by a jury unless:

(a) the court in which the cause is to be tried determines that the waiver is voluntarily and freely proffered without compulsion or coercion; and (b) the prosecuting attorney, with the permission of the court, has waived the death penalty; and (c) the prosecuting attorney has assented to the waiver of trial by jury, and such waiver has been approved by the court.