I have no doubt that the current jury system is highly suboptimal with regard to ascertaining guilt ("guilt" in the legal sense — as it pertains to a specific s

I have no doubt that the current jury system is highly suboptimal with regard to ascertaining guilt ("guilt" in the legal sense — as it pertains to a specific system of laws). However, oldmanjay makes a very important point about how positive feedback loops tend to emerge from those who seek power (i.e., those who seek to control others will attempt to use the limited power they have in an effort to secure even more power). The checks and balance system serves the critical role of subverting some of the darker tendencies of human nature. I'm certain a better solution exists that solves both problems — a system that determines guilt with high accuracy while maintaining resistance against corruption. I am not so certain that such a system will be implemented in the foreseeable future.