Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and even owners can become frustrated at the length of time it takes to have a dispute reach the courthouse.  Their lawyers are also frequently concerned about whether jurors will be able to understand the complex issues associated with a construction dispute.  One way to address this problem is to agree to a bench trial.  If the parties can agree to a bench trial, Miss. Code Ann. § 11-1-18 (Supp. 2008) provides as follows: If the parties to a cause of action agree, any claim filed alleging damages may receive a bench trial which shall be conducted in two hundred seventy (270) days or less after the cause of action has been filed. The cause of action shall be a priority item in the court. Emphasis added.  This statute is frequently overlooked but could be just the answer for a contractor that wants a timely resolution of its dispute.