Let's flip the script: Can an all-black jury be "fair and impartial"?

Question

This is a serious and honest question: I myself am African-American, and I can confidently say that easily 95% of us don't trust the American justice system (Is there a wonder why?). So, can we participate whole-heartedly in a system that we believe to be racist and corrupt?

Answer 1

No not if the situation is as you describe it...

Answer 2

Usually all black juries acquit black defendants irrespective of the crime or evidence. This is something that you can look up. You may have to know where to look, but the info is public.

Answer 3

Have seen the unbelievable treatment dished out to African Americans, and have doubts if in their place I could, the light of fairness and impartiality must have been extinguished long ago.

Answer 4

Nobody, regardless of gender or race, can be completely "fair and impartial".

We all have our opinions.  Our opinions and moral values drive our lives and dictate our actions and decisions.  Period.

We're nicer to pretty girls.  We're more likely to approach someone who is dressed nicely to ask for directions.  We're all suspicious of someone who isn't just like us.  

It's a fact of life and cannot be avoided.

Answer 5

In what regard are you asking if an all  Black jury can be fair.  In the case of an African-American defendant I believe that we are as fair and impartial as our cultural opposites.  In the case of white collar crimes, I would consider us to be neutral, but somewhat sensitive to the victim.  

While we are scrutinizing the fairness of an African-American jury I would be remiss if I did not point out that there are bias that exist in each and every jury member, and it is up to the prosecution and defense to examine these people and ultimately retain those who fit their own agenda, and dismiss those who they deem detrimental to their case.

Answer 6

as far as participating in the system,does that mean you think because the speed  limit is 65  that you should be able to drive 85 just because you disagree with the law? Niether an all white or an all black jury is fair.

Answer 7

No. The all any one color Jury cannot be fair. When we either get over being racist or actually use a Blind Justice system it could be better.

Maybe a sequestered jury that never sees the actors/lawyers, but does see the witnesses and evidence and has transcripts or video without the visual of the prosecution and defense antics would be a step in the right direction.

Answer 8

I'm from Texas and am a retired lawyer.  I've argued cases to juries and have been on juries.  So, what follows is just my opinion and experience.  When twelve people are picked for a jury, those with obvious relationship conflicts have been eliminated.  What is left is a cross section of the local community.  What you get then, are twelve people and every one of them has bias of various kinds, about race, about parties, about the situation out of which the trial comes.  I have not encountered a juror yet who was African American, that didn't come into the jury with some feelings of the type you refer to.  BUT, African Americans also understand that the system only improves when justice is done by the juries, and so, I believe that while people of all races do have their sensitivities, in most cases, when they are chosen for jury duty, they  take the work seriously and do not cheapen the process by trying, somehow to get revenge for past inequities.

Answer 9

It depends. The fact of whether you're racist or not is in your mind, not the color of your skin. I know white, black, and hispanic people that are completely 100% racist. On the flip side, there are white, black, and hispanic people that are not.