Abstract: Many legal systems, representing widely differing legal families and political orientations, involve laymen in the administration of justice.1 In the United States the trial jury is the major institution through which members of the pub lic participate in justice. The jury has received considerable attention as both a judicial and a political institution. It has been hailed by some as a palladium of liberty while others have strongly questioned its contributions to justice and government.2 Whether perceived as a political or judicial institution, arguments have converged on the jury as a socializing agent, with three major themes being developed as Becker notes.3 Jury service is perceived by some as providing an effective mode of citizen participation in government since those who serve as jurors develop a sense of efficacy and participation. A second theme focuses on the development of public sympathy for government and loyalty to political and judicial institutions. From this perspective, jury service legitimizes the deci sions of the courts. Finally, a common argument is that juries are effective bul warks against political tyranny. Juries are thus viewed as tools for democratizing justice and government.
Publication Year: 2016
Publication Date: 2016-01-01
Language: en
Type: article
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Cited By Count: 1
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