[Jeff Higgins]

Whatever happened to the right to meet one's accuser in court? As bad as things have gotten here in Washington, at least that is still a requirement.

Kind of a tangent here, but relative to the steady de-evolution of our justice system, in this context with regards to traffic enforcement. The accusing officer doesn't even have to show up in your state. The accusing officer in my state need provide no evidence whatsoever, just his statement that you were speeding. In neither state (I assume in yours, I know for sure in mine) are we afforded a jury trial. How, why, have we allowed this to happen?

One of the very bedrock cornerstones of our Republic is the notion that if any agent of the government, at any level, accuses a citizen of wrongdoing, at any level, that agent must then prove guilt not to government agents, but before a jury of our peers. Not theirs. Somewhere along the way, at least insofar as traffic citations, we have given that up. I, for one, believe we should endeavor to regain that right of citizenship. Jury trial or no trial for any and all instances wherein the government is the accuser. "Beyond reasonable doubt" in all cases wherein the citizen stands accused by the government.

But, alas, I feel like a voice crying in the wilderness. So many seem so willing to give up the fight. *Sigh*

Sorry for the hijack, Shaun.