Media coverage of the penalty phase of Parkland school shooter Nikolas Cruz’s trial illustrates something important. Namely, the challenge of jury responsibilities in a first-degree murder trial.

America is a diverse nation. The jury process is intended to represent this aspect of our society. In theory, if 12 people are selected to hear information, 12 unconnected people from different backgrounds with different ideologies will find the same truth. We all know how difficult it is to find five people who agree on what to eat for lunch! So, the thinking goes, finding 12 people to agree on a verdict must make it correct.