MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Wisconsin Assembly has passed a bill that would require a 12-person jury in every criminal case.
The state Supreme Court ruled in 1998 that the Wisconsin Constitution requires a 12-person jury in all criminal cases and a law providing for a six-person jury in misdemeanor cases was unconstitutional.
The bill eliminates the six-person misdemeanor jury and sets the 12-person requirement for every criminal case unless the parties involved and a judge agree to reduce the number.
The Assembly’s Law Revision Committee, which is controlled by Republicans, introduced the bill. The Assembly passed the measure Tuesday on a voice vote with no debate. It goes next to the state Senate.
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