Well point 6 shows another big difference between your systems and the UK system, Jack, which I find appalling. Over here, ALL judges are trained, and very experienced, lawyers.

That's not to say that mistakes aren't made in sentencing, they sometimes are, but if I was in the dock and found guilty by a jury, I'd far rather my fate was in the hands of a qualified and, hopefully, dispassionate Judge than in the hands of a group of laymen whose decisions are liable to be hugely influenced by the media coverage of the case, and by their own, possibly wildly intemperate, views.

Also, if I was a juror, I would be horrified if I had to set the sentence. The offence is committed by the criminal against, and is prosecuted by, the state (that's the British meaning of 'state' - i.e. the nation). It's only right, therefore, that the state, personified by a judge appointed by the state, should set the sentence.

Obviously, we are each comfortable with our own systems, but I truly believe ours trumps yours.