The Jury Jam: Why Jury Trials Just Don't Work

The current state of the American jury system raises concerns about its reliability.

It is unfortunate that trials by jury often involve serious crimes where the accused faces the possibility of serving lengthy prison sentences, ranging from years to life imprisonment, and in some states, even the death penalty.

The stakes are high, and the potential for wrongful convictions can have devastating consequences for both the accused and society as a whole. Therefore, it is crucial that the jury system operates fairly and efficiently.

There is a misconception among judges and lawyers that jurors are capable of setting aside their prejudices, sitting through long hours of conflicting testimonies without forming opinions prematurely, and making decisions only after examining all the available evidence. Often, jurors make decisions based on personal opinions rather than objective facts. Furthermore, the susceptibility of the majority of jurors to outside influences, including the image portrayed by the accused, can compromise the integrity of the verdicts.

When you add factors such as racially biased individuals, lack of proper education in the community, and a lack of a comprehensive understanding of the legal system to the mix, the potential for a breakdown in the jury system becomes even more pronounced, making it difficult for jurors to make informed decisions.

In such an environment, people may be more reluctant to serve on a jury, and those who do may have their biases and prejudices amplified. Although jury duty is compulsory and not optional, many individuals would prefer not to participate, as they feel it is an imposition on their personal choices.

All of these factors combined create a recipe for disaster, with the potential for miscarriages of Justice and a breakdown in the rule of law.

Elisa Grant - 7/28/2023