Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Fight Over Jury Trial Continues

The Ohio Prosecuting Attorneys Association says it is not giving up efforts to pass a law that would allow them to demand criminal defendants be tried by jury.The proposal targets defendants suspected of waiving their right to a jury trial because they believe a judge will be more sympathetic. Prosecutors want the ability to demand a jury trial if they believe a judge is biased in favor of the defendant. Defense attorneys and judges oppose the legislation passed by the Ohio House but stalled in the Senate. Judges say the Ohio Constitution provides defendants the right to a trial by jury but does not require such a trial.

Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.