JURY SYSTEM IN AMERICA - A CRITICAL OVERVIEW
The Decline of Jury Trials
The rate of jury trials in the United States has plummeted in recent decades. In the 1960s, about 10% of criminal cases went to trial. Today, that number has dropped to less than 2%. This decline is due in part to the increasing cost of jury trials, as well as the perception that they are inefficient and time-consuming.
The Myth of the "One" Jury System
The phrase "America's jury system" implies that there is a single, unified jury system in the United States. In reality, there are 50 different jury systems, one for each state. Each state has its own set of rules and procedures for selecting and instructing juries. This can lead to significant differences in the way that juries operate from state to state.
How Juries Are Selected
Juries in the United States are typically selected from a pool of registered voters. In some states, potential jurors are also drawn from driver's license lists. Once a pool of potential jurors has been selected, they are screened for eligibility and bias. Those who are ineligible or biased are removed from the pool, and the remaining jurors are randomly selected to serve on the jury.
Forces That Influence Juries
A number of factors can influence juries in making their decisions. These factors include the evidence presented at trial, the instructions given by the judge, and the personal experiences and biases of the jurors. In addition, research has shown that juries are more likely to convict defendants who are black or Hispanic, and who are represented by public defenders.
The Future of Jury Trials
The future of jury trials is uncertain. Some experts believe that the decline in jury trials will continue, as more and more cases are resolved through plea bargains or other forms of alternative dispute resolution. Others believe that jury trials will remain an important part of the American justice system, but that they will need to be reformed to address the challenges of the 21st century.
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