Gang-Rape Verdict and the Jury System

Re “Gang-Rape Case Ends in Mistrial,” June 29: In commenting on the mistrial and hung jury in the Orange County gang-rape case, Susan Kang Schroeder, a spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office, states, “I wouldn’t put too much stock in what one jury has to say.”

I can think of nothing more irresponsible and offensive to our justice system than to hear such a remark from a spokeswoman for the district attorney. The jury system is the hallmark of our justice system, and every jury’s decision or nondecision is to be respected, regardless of the outcome. I ask Schroeder this: If the defendants are retried and convicted by a jury, should we not put “too much stock” in what that jury had to say?

Steve Danning

Woodland Hills

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Re “O.C. Gang-Rape Suspects Will Be Retried,” June 30: Hurray for our criminal justice system! First the acquittal of the four police officers (involved in the Rodney King beating), then O.J. Simpson and now a mistrial/retrial for the alleged Orange County gang-rape teenagers.

Apparently, mountains of evidence, not to mention graphic videotape in two of these cases, aren’t enough for a conviction. And we’re surprised when people (especially poor minorities) have no faith in the courts? What will it take for the legal community to wake up?

Ravi Kapila

Chino Hills