What Kind of Jury System Do We Want? - Fiorello H. La Guardia

The NYPR Archive Collections | Jan 1, 2000

This episode is from the WNYC archives. It may contain language which is no longer politically or socially appropriate.

Mayor La Guardia speaks in a series of addresses arranged by Archibald R. Watson, County Clerk, on the importance of the jury system.

Some method must exist to resolve disputes where both sides can leave the courtroom and feel that justice has been done. A jury is the best lie detector. The institution of trial by jury has been with us for over 600 years. It prevents the miscarriage of justice with the conviction of an innocent man or the acquittal of a guilty one. Jury duty is one of the most important duties a citizen of a democracy has to render. Improper decision of a court can lead to loss of confidence in government. Democracy is not handed to us; we ourselves make with our own effort through voting, political activity in general, and the jury system. Concludes with information about upcoming programming.


Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection


WNYC archives id: 9792
Municipal archives id: LT872

WNYC is funded by sponsors and member donations

Top Stories

Are you a New Yorker? The Department of New Yorker Verification will now decide.

There is now an (un)official verification process for those who can claim the title of city resident.
Gothamist |

Campus Sexual Assault and The Lawsuit Against Cornell

A recent lawsuit against Cornell University alleges the administration of negligence in their handling of a reported gang rape.
The Brian Lehrer Show |

New apartments are coming and there’s nothing these 12 neighborhoods can do to stop it

The Mamdani administration released a list of 12 community districts subject to a “fast-track” housing approval process first initiated by his predecessor.
Gothamist |

Advice for the Modern Dating Scene

Please Advise: A Pop Up Show from WNYC |
YOU ARE ONLINE