## Defending Trial by Jury in Modern Society Defending the jury trial is especially vital today due to the recent decline in democratic processes, increasingly replaced by technocratic systems. This trend undermines the foundational principles of participatory justice. ### The Importance of Jury Trials A jury trial roots the judicial process in community involvement, reflecting a collective moral judgment rather than solely expert opinions. It acts as a safeguard against authoritarian tendencies by ensuring ordinary people have a voice in decisions affecting liberty and justice. > "Trial by jury remains the most obvious symbol of democratic participation in the justice system," the article emphasizes, underlining the jury's role as a cornerstone of democracy. ### Threats to Democratic Justice Recent shifts toward technocracy have led to decision-making concentrated in the hands of specialists and officials, reducing transparency and diminishing public engagement. This not only erodes democratic values but also risks alienating individuals from the justice system. ### Jury Trials as a Democratic Shield Maintaining jury trials is a critical defense against this erosion. It promotes fairness by involving peers rather than just legal experts, helping preserve democratic ideals within the legal framework. *** The article argues that in an era of creeping technocracy, upholding the right to trial by jury is essential to safeguard democracy and maintain fairness in justice.

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The Observer — 2025-11-29