4 ms·
A jury is the last line of defense. The state can not use it's power to punish someone unless they can find 12 members of the community who are willing to allo
by codefreeordie 4y ago
A jury is the last line of defense. The state can not use it's power to punish someone unless they can find 12 members of the community who are willing to allow the punishment.
It is supposed to be the last, final defense against the perversion of the justice system into political prosecution.
The state can make whatever laws it wants, but it can't enforce them without the will of (some of) the people.
Probably worked, too, when populations were smaller and communities more cohesive.
- watwut 4y agoPractically it can, because jury trial is expensive, less predictable and carries much longer sentence then plea bargain. So, 94% or so of cases end without trial. The state says "take 3 years in plea bargain or risk 15 years and huge debt in jury trial".
- motogpjimbo 4y agoIf you're going to jail for 15 years, isn't running up a debt with your lawyers the least of your concerns?
- spywaregorilla 4y agoA significant debt can be the least of your concerns and still be concerning