[reaganaut]

The reason the jurors names are released at all is for some accountability and to prevent jury tampering and misconduct. If someone when into a jury knowing that they would forever remain anonymous, that would be problematic at best for the system.

Early juries (Saxon) were comprised of well known people in the area who knew the offenders and could size people up quickly.

[truthkeeper]

"Jury System Has Deep Roots:"

http://abcnews.go.com/International/story?id=79894&page=1

[truthkeeper]

A little info on the Star Chamber:

http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Star_Chamber.aspx

[longtermmemmory]

it is also for conviction cases.

in this case we have a not guilty, death threats, and violence (see court employee who was attacked)

even some of the comments here.