Why was only one man, Judge Greer, the determinant of the facts in Terri's case?
In most other cases, it is a jury that determines the facts. Certainly the facts in all capital cases are determined by a jury, although the defendant could select trial by a judge if he were so inclined.
Qualified individuals can make wise judgments. An individual can also make horrific judgments. Our society has determined that groups of individuals are more likely to be wise. That is why we have city councils, company boards of directors, and jury trials. Groups of people tend to be "less imperfect" than single individuals.
Setting aside personalities, as distasteful as they appear to be, having only one person determine the facts seems to be the central failing of the judicial system in Terri's case. For the future, that failing could be solved by legislative action.
Many other judges looked at this over the years. I wish things could have been different here, but the bad guy in this is Michael Schiavo.
The judges followed the law. If I want my feeding tube pulled, I don't want a judge to forbid my husband to do it. There is that right in the US.
Unfortunately, MS makes a mockery of spousal rights.
There is no Constitutional right to a jury trial in a State civil case.
Because this was handled by the Probate Court, which never has a jury. Here in Orange County, CA, only one Probate judge handles all competency hearings, which I suspect this was.
Orange County is much bigger than Pinnelas.