Jim Dixon - thanks for the comments about the US Legal Systems. I hadn't taken into account the strange (to a Brit) legal structure over there.

I still believe that it's appalling that juries can, apparently, (and perhaps only in certain states) set sentences. That's very dangerous - it places seriously unfair responsibilities on jurors, and leaves the door open for unjust sentencing based on the personal biases of the jurors. It also increses the likelihood of revenge being taken by the criminal/his associates/family on jurors. It's barbaric.

Sentencing should be solely the responsibility of the Judge. That's what he's trained for, that's what he's paid for.

IMHO. YMMV.