Warning: Constant ABSPATH already defined in /home/flanews/public_html/wp-config.php on line 34
Capitol News Service » Blog Archive » More Jurors = Better Justice?

Welcome to

Capitol News Service

Florida's Best Political Coverage on Television

 


 


 


Recent Posts

RSS Quote of the Day

  • Charles Baudelaire
    "Everything that is beautiful and noble is the product of reason and calculation."
  • Wilson Mizner
    "The best way to keep your friends is not to give them away."
  • Benjamin Disraeli
    "Silence is the mother of truth."
  • H. Jackson Brown, Jr.
    "Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness."

More Jurors = Better Justice?

July 23rd, 2013 by flanews

Following the acquittal of George Zimmerman some are questioning whether six member juries are sufficient enough when determining quilt or innocence.
jury3

jury2

jury1

Across the United States 12-member juries are used in all felony cases. Not in Florida, a 1970’s state law only requires 6-member jury.

Former President of the Florida. Association of Criminal Defense Lawyer

Tom Powell said, “When somebody stands to go to prison for the rest of their life, or for 30 years, I think a 12 person jury is important.”

In the recent George Zimmerman trial – six women were used in the case. Only one was non-Caucasian. Zimmerman was eventually acquitted in the shooting death of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Representative Randolph Bracy has been drafting a bill which would change the state law; his proposal would require 12 jurors in felony trials.

When asked why there should be an increase in the number of jurors in felony trials Representative Bracy said, “They have more people and more opinions.”

Currently the only time a 12-member jury is used in the Sunshine State is for Capital Punishment cases and when the state tries to take over your property.

“This is part of our trial, court system. I think it needs some changes,” said Representative Bracy.

Florida is one of two states with six-member juries, the only other state in the country is Connecticut.

Supporters are concerned money will keep the law the same. According to Powell, “There no doubt will be a fiscal impact. You have to call more jurors if you have a jury of 12.”

Currently jurors are not paid anything for the first three days of a trial. After day three, they are paid 40-dollars a day.

Posted in State News | 2 Comments »

Leave a Comment

Please note: Comment moderation is enabled and may delay your comment. There is no need to resubmit your comment.

copyright © 2016 by Capitol News Service | Powered by Wordpress | Hosted by LyonsHost.com