Law 792: Reviving the American Jury

Trial by jury in criminal and civil cases is a central component of the American legal system. However, over time, state and private actors have dramatically reduced the jury’s scope. Today, juries resolve only a small percentage of cases in the criminal and civil justice systems. In this short course, we will discuss the multiple causes of the decline in jury trials. We will examine jury selection and the conduct of jury trials to assess how well juries perform their democratic function. Finally, we will explore potential reforms that could help to restore the jury to its important place in our system of justice.

Course sequence/prerequisites: No prerequisites. 

Evaluation method: Course participants will identify a particular jury reform as the subject matter for their 8-10 page seminar papers, due at the end of the semester. The course grade will be based 80% on the evaluation of the seminar paper and 20% on class participation.