2007-01-09 11:53:11 · 9 answers · asked by dallisa s 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Civic Participation
Because it was INTENDED by the Founders of our republican form of government to be the final check in the balance of power but, because of the War on Drugs and other un-American ``ABUSES AND USURPATIONS'' people can actually be arrested and charged by informing jurors of their proper rights and duties to be ``JUDGES OF THE LAW AS WELL AS OF FACT.''
Watch the classic motion-picture ``12 ANGRY MEN'' for a mind-opener (NOTE: the film is not indicative of the sad state of affairs of tyranny under which we live today, just an effective answer to the primary question).
Know your rights and duties. Be informed.
Fully Informed Jury Association
2007-01-09 12:26:00 · answer #1 · answered by Col. Forbin 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because some day you may be accused of a crime you didn't commit. Even though it's actually rather unlikely with the system of investigating crimes, narrowing the scope down to a certain person or group, then convincing a district attorney to file charges.
I know a lot of guilty people go free under our system, and a lot of evidence doesn't make it to the jury because of our arbitrary system of excluding evidence, but it's still the best system anyone has come up with.
So, remember your duty there is not only to let the guilty person be convicted and to protect the rest of us from them, but to also listen and deliberate and let the innocent go free.
2007-01-09 12:14:41 · answer #2 · answered by Lt. Dan reborn 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Without a jury, you would be convicted & sentenced by a judge that either is a political appointee or elected by politics. Scary huh! We try to make judges non-political elections but people vote for a judge in their party This does not mean the most qualified are judges.
I would want to take my chances with a jury of my peers as the fore fathers wanted. Plus it is the only way we can serve other than in military or by voting.
2007-01-09 16:42:58 · answer #3 · answered by Wolfpacker 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It gives the citizen (both serving on the jury, being tried, and watching the proceedings) the perception that the trial is of their peers. That the system works based upon input from any citizen.
Sadly, the process is also greatly influenced by the abilities of the lawyers.
2007-01-09 14:36:39 · answer #4 · answered by John Hightower 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Like voting, it is part of what makes the system work. Despite all of the flaws, the countries which have jury trials are the most advanced and fair on the planet.
2007-01-09 12:01:40 · answer #5 · answered by roscoedeadbeat 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
because it is an act that helps guarantee individual liberty. serving on a jury ranks about equal with other fundamental legal rights -- for example, habeas corpus (which means an accused person has a right to know who her/his accusers are, what the charges are, and what evidence they have), quick and speedy trial, judgement by one's peers. serve on a jury and you demonstrate your personal belief in and dedication to making democracy work.
i shrink from imagining living in any other system, don't you?
2007-01-10 01:22:27 · answer #6 · answered by westtexasboy 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because the ultimate decision of the guilt or innocence of the accused rests with ''the people'' rather than agents of the government--many of whom are extremely politcally ambitious.
p/s The other poster mentioned ''12 Angry Men.'' Excellent movie!
2007-01-10 06:47:12 · answer #7 · answered by S D Modiano 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Because it is a duty!!!
2007-01-09 21:04:45 · answer #8 · answered by Tom Cat 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
So someone would have the time and give me the correct number of holes in a ceiling tile
2007-01-09 12:00:27 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋