The political jury

Published: March 18, 2021, 9:05 a.m.

Trial by jury is the cornerstone of our criminal justice system. Not all countries believe it’s the best way to get justice. They prefer judge-only trials instead. And when you think of it, trial by jury puts the fate of the accused in the hands of ordinary people, chosen at random, with no particular expertise. So why do we think this is the best system and how did it evolve?