Georgia News
Georgia News

The right to trial by jury

By Bill Rankin
Oct 28, 2020

Declaration of Independence

The King of Great Britain has combined with others and given his assent “for depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of trial by jury.”

The U.S. Constitution (Article III)

“The trial of all crimes, except in cases of impeachment; shall be by jury; and such trial shall be held in the state where the said crimes shall have been committed.”

Bill of Rights (Sixth Amendment)

“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed.”

About the Author

Bill Rankin has been an AJC reporter for more than 30 years. His father, Jim Rankin, worked as an editor for the newspaper for 26 years, retiring in 1986. Bill has primarily covered the state’s court system, doing all he can do to keep the scales of justice on an even keel. Since 2015, he has been the host of the newspaper’s Breakdown podcast.

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