Toward a better jury system

Re “The peremptory problem,” Editorial, June 21

As a retired attorney and now periodic victim of jury duty, I agree that peremptory challenges should be eliminated. Lawyers who gamble on getting a better outcome for their client by demanding a jury trial should be compelled to take the first 12 draftees who don’t have a direct, personal interest in the case.

Originally in our system jurors were usually neighbors and townsfolk who knew all about the case. It’s ridiculous to think that we get better results by impaneling jurors who know nothing about a case, and forcing them to listen to lawyers who will do and say whatever is necessary to win their case.

Arthur Armstrong

Manhattan Beach