Great words, however, following the O.J. Simpson verdict, almost every American had an opinion about the justice that came with the jury verdict. You cannot voir dire a jury today and not encounter a juror that doesn't have an opinion about the McDonald's coffee case. On the local level, there is also considerable media attention given to recent capital trials and the cost of defending one's liberty. Spin doctors who give instant analysis do not realize the damage that is being inflicted upon our legal system. Very simply, juries properly decide these issues after hearing all the facts and being given the law by the Court.
Courts then apply the law or review jury decisions based upon the law.
This system of checks and balances has worked in our country for over 200 years. The danger in this ongoing onslaught of criticism is that individuals like Mr. Neuharth in the name of tort reform or judicial reform take such positions without an understanding of the ramifications of their advice. Our duty is not to join in this parade of criticism but to support the Rule of Law. Your bar association is presently involved in civil and criminal reform. There is always room for improvement.