Backers of Verdicts Proposal to Begin Seeking Signatures
Backers of a proposed initiative to allow non-unanimous jury verdicts in criminal trials can begin collecting signatures to put their measure on the November, 1996, ballot.
The initiative is backed by Kern County Dist. Atty. Edward Jagels and Collene Campbell of San Juan Capistrano. Campbell, a member of the San Juan Capistrano City Council, became a statewide activist for victims’ rights following the 1988 murder of her millionaire brother Mickey Thompson and his wife, and the 1982 death of her son Scott, who was strangled.
Proponents must submit the signatures of 693,230 registered voters by April 10 to make the ballot, the secretary of state’s office said.
The proposed constitutional amendment would allow 10 members of a 12-member jury to reach a verdict in criminal trials, except death penalty cases and some misdemeanor cases tried by a jury of nine or fewer members.
The proposal would also limit prison inmates’ rights to those guaranteed by the state or U.S. constitutions and would increase the penalties for parole violations.
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