Jury Sayings and Quotes

Below you will find our collection of inspirational, wise, and humorous old jury quotes, jury sayings, and jury proverbs, collected over the years from a variety of sources.

A jury consists of twelve persons chosen to decide who has the better lawyer. Robert Frost
A jury is composed of twelve men of average ignorance. Herbert Spencer
If a jury have not the right to judge between the government and those who disobey its laws, and resist its oppressions, the government is absolute, and the people, legally speaking, are slaves. Lysander Spooner
The jury has a right to judge both the law as well as the fact in controversy. John Jay
A jury too often has at least one member more ready to hang the panel than to hang the traitor. Abraham Lincoln
The jury has the power to bring a verdict in the teeth of both law and fact. Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.
Normally a grand jury will indict a ham sandwich if a prosecutor asks it to. Chuck Robb
Had the jury convicted on proper instructions it would be the end of the matter. But juries are not bound by what seems inescapable logic to judges. Robert H. Jackson
The jury system puts a ban upon intelligence and honesty, and a premium upon ignorance, stupidity and perjury.  S. L. Clemens
If the jury have no right to judge of the justice of a law of the government, they plainly can do nothing to protect the people against the oppressions of the government; for there are no oppressions which the government may not authorize by law. Lysander Spooner
The jury has the right to determine both the law and the facts. Samuel Chase
It takes courage to sit on a jury. How many of us want to decide the fate of another person's life or freedom? How many of us want to hold that kind of power in our hands? Regina Brett
Jury selection is strictly an emotional process. They're looking for people they can manipulate. Both sides are. Joseph Wambaugh
When a jury permits a guilty man to escape, it augments the danger of the innocent Anonymous
Jury lawlessness is the greatest corrective of law in its actual administration. Roscoe Pound
A jury is more apt to be unbiased and independent than a court, but they very seldom stand up against strong public clamor. Judges naturally believe the defendant is guilty. Clarence Darrow
The verdict of a jury is the a priori opinion of that juror who smokes the worst cigars. H. L. Mencken