The Desirable Dozen

摘要

The jury has come in for some unkind words. Robert Frost said 'a jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer'. The American comedian Norm Crosby said that 'When you go into court, you're putting your fate into the hands of twelve people who weren't smart enough to get out of jury duty'. Like many institutions, naturally, the jury is weakened by the periodic folly of the people who are its lifeblood. However, as an intrinsic part of democracy, the jury is invaluable so rumours that government is considering paring down its use should cause significant anxiety and trigger appropriate resistance.