[clarionbell]

Idea about jury trial is to give people say over how they want their laws enforced and spreading accountability around.

With jury, you can't blame a single person for the result you didn't like. It was your neighbors that decided. And, at the same time, laws get continuously tested. Every time a jury is called, it's like a small section of society (randomly chosen, and later pruned by criteria) gathering verifying if it still makes sense.

As for the facts. While they are very important, law is also about morality. And while facts remain, morality changes all the time.

And regarding Europe. Some of the sentences handed by judges here, are so horrendous, that I would take american style jury over them any day. Especially when it comes to violent crime.

[chaorace]

It's the legal equivalent of a firing squad. No execution requires a squad, but you'll certainly need one if you value the health and safety of your executioners.