I believe most conviction rates are in the upper 90s because of plea bargains. Very few go to trial because juries usually convict. That's because jurors are trigger-happy, intimidated by the judge's bad jury instructions, and/or essentially unaware of their full powers (to nullify / vote independent of the majority). It only takes one to hang the jury.
------------------------ In my home state of Texas, the conviction rate is 99.6%, which means that juries are now merely a rubber stamp on state aggression. You could argue that Grand Juries are an effective weapon against the State, but the state blocks access to them. In other words, self-regulating government is a hoax. Those in power will do what they want to do and they will get away with it almost every time. --- In [email protected], "ma ni" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Sasan, > > Why "stop responding to jury duty", when the jury is the one > potential thorn in the side of government; and it only takes one > juror to insert the thorn? > > ----------------------- > > > Civil disobedience doesn't necessary have to involve protests in > the > streets. I would prefer simple NON-PARTICIPATION in Government. > It's a > passive rather than active approach, and it gains more sympathy > from > the public than marching to the capitol. You basically just STOP > doing > certain things. > > STOP paying taxes. > > STOP registering your vehicles. > > STOP responding to jury duty. > > STOP obeying the police. > > These are just a few examples of non-participation, and I have > practiced every one of them myself. I have been to jail before > and I > am prepared to go again. This method is not a safe as supporting > a > worthless political party, but it is effective. > > ---Sasan > ---Moderator > ---Libertarian Yahoo! Group >
