I’ve long thought that the “petty offenses” exception to a jury trial was ludicrous. ALL crimes are guaranteed to be a jury trial under the constitution - and that provision either applies to the states or it doesn’t (don’t get me started on that). But now illegal immigrants appear to be afforded more rights than citizens. Possibly even more ludicrous.
....” now illegal immigrants appear to be afforded more rights than citizens”.....
Citizenship is fast loosing it’s appeal when non-citizens have greater opportunity for “free” legal council and opportunities as opposed for Citizens.
The problem isn’t a lack of access to a jury, imo. The problem is using state funded prosecutors and defense lawyers over minor charges. There should be a way for minor offenses to be determined without going whole hog on state resources. Minor offenses should be determined at a more community level, with community level punishments being meted out.
Now, minor offenses will not prosecuted at all because the costs will be tens of thousands of dollars every time somebody steals less than $500 worth of stuff.