Sep 11, 2017
Despite their significant presence in the Constitution, our county’s juries have been robbed of their power. This has been done by a legal system which forces plea bargains with harsher criminal penalties, places caps on money awards, and routinely issues summary judgments on civil cases. Law professor Suja Thomas says that this is not what our founders intended. The Missing American Jury explores how the jury’s authority has been taken and how it can be restored to its rightful position as a branch of our government. Discussing the value of juries beyond the Constitution’s requirements, Thomas explains the significance of juries worldwide and argues jury decision-making should be preferred over determinations by other governmental bodies. Mark Cuban, Shark Tank star and owner of the Dallas Mavericks says, “I strongly recommend this book. Professor Thomas shares the importance of our jury system. It’s a right that you never think you will need… until you do.”
Recorded live at Town Hall Seattle Monday, March 20, 2017