Supreme Court

The Founders Revered the Right to Trial by Jury. Will SCOTUS Now Follow Their Example?

Understanding the stakes in Kian v. Florida

Damon Root | 6.18.2026 7:00 AM

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The U.S. Supreme Court just added a new case to its upcoming 2026–27 docket that should interest fans of early American history.

At issue in Kian v. Florida is whether the Sixth Amendment right to trial by jury requires 12-person juries in all criminal cases. Florida law says it does not. According to that state's statute books, "twelve persons shall constitute a jury to try all capital cases, and six persons shall constitute a jury to try all other criminal cases." Hamed Kian, who was tried by a six-person Florida jury and sentenced to prison for practicing chiropractic medicine with a suspended license, wants the Supreme Court to overturn his conviction and restore the 12-person jury in the Sunshine State and the handful of other states that currently lack it.

You’re reading Injustice System from Damon Root and Reason. Get more of Damon’s commentary on constitutional law and American history.

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