Juror Anonymity

I applaud Los Cerritos Municipal Court presiding Judge Philip Mautino’s use of blanket jury anonymity in criminal cases (July 25). Society appears to be in the grip of urban terrorism wherein an entire city, let alone an individual, can be subjected to mob coercion, violence or threats in the performance of lawful civic duties producing results that are at odds with the sentiments of any restive element of the populace. We’re headed toward anarchy and the judge’s action has established a landmark of hope for a turnaround.

The juror must be protected from terrorism or society will devolve into the lawlessness of our past where might made right. I hope that Judge Mautino’s courageous act will be viewed as an appropriate solution to an essentially new social phenomenon and universally implemented within the criminal justice system.

RICHARD M. TAKASE

Torrance