In case you haven't heard, this year's general election ballot includes a referendum on a constitutional amendment allowing defendants charged with all but the most serious felonies to waive their right to a jury trial, and have a judge decide whether they are guilty or innocent instead. Forty-nine other states and the federal government allow criminal defendants to opt for bench trials.
Since coverage of the amendment has been fairly low-key, here are two views on whether to vote for or against amednment to help you decide.
The Independent Weekly supports the proposed amendment:
