Sixth Amendment, Williams v. Florida
Emsworth:
Williams v. Florida (1970)
Question Presented:
Did a trial by jury of less than 12 persons violate the Sixth Amendment?
Conclusion:
The Court held that "the 12-man [jury] requirement cannot be regarded as an indispensable component of the Sixth Amendment." The Court found that the purpose of the jury trial was "to prevent oppression by the Government," and that the performance of this role was not dependent on the particular number of people on the jury. The Court concluded that "the fact that the jury at common law was composed of precisely 12 is a historical accident, unnecessary to effect the purposes of the jury system and wholly without significance 'except to mystics.'"
nini2287:
It's a tough one. Surely 12 is a good number but the constitution doesn't specify the amount of people on a jury, so I will say constiutionally sound. What level of court was the case in, Emsworth?
Emsworth:
Quote from: nini2287 on December 14, 2005, 05:18:25 PM
What level of court was the case in, Emsworth?
This was a U.S. Supreme Court case, heard on appeal from a state court.
Bono:
Quote from: Emsworth on December 14, 2005, 05:22:34 PM
Quote from: nini2287 on December 14, 2005, 05:18:25 PM
What level of court was the case in, Emsworth?
This was a U.S. Supreme Court case, heard on appeal from a state court.
I think h means the trial by jury.
Emsworth:
Quote from: Bonostein on December 14, 2005, 05:27:01 PM
Quote from: Emsworth on December 14, 2005, 05:22:34 PM
Quote from: nini2287 on December 14, 2005, 05:18:25 PM
What level of court was the case in, Emsworth?
This was a U.S. Supreme Court case, heard on appeal from a state court.
I think h means the trial by jury.
It was a Florida state court. The charge was robbery; because the case was not capital, Florida law authorized a jury of six members rather than twelve.
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