Then there's Texas. Lowest common denominator as far as "justice" (whatever the highest number of stupid people think is 'fair') and three strikes laws are in place. It's pretty appalling, being called to jury duty. You have to agree to find someone guilty of a crime DESPITE the fact that there might be evidence of a different crime that will compel you the jury and the judge to pass a judgement that isn't sound or fair. They won't tell you about these extenuating circumstances until after that trial but before penalty phase. They do everything the can to describe the situation without calling it "three strikes." On my latest jury foray, I was all the way to the courtroom with a pool of jurors. When asked if I could judge fairly in this situation I more or less said "I think three strikes sucks." I was more polite about it, but they all got the idea, and I was off the jury. I spoke to an attorney activist later who said bluntly "you should have lied."

That's justice in Texas for you.

SRS