Rejecting injustice: The jury’s role in a politicized justice system

The acquittal of Brayan Ramos-Brito is more than just a legal victory for one individual; it is a powerful reaffirmation of the American jury system. After a federal jury in Los Angeles took just over an hour to acquit Ramos-Brito of a misdemeanor assault count, it became clear that the justice system—when it functions as the Framers intended—stands as a bulwark against government oppression.

The facts of the case, as they unfolded, are illustrative of a disturbing trend. Ramos-Brito, a U.S. citizen, was initially charged with a felony, which was later reduced to a misdemeanor. While four agents took to the witness stand, the government’s case rested heavily on the testimony of U.S. Border Patrol Sector Chief Gregory Bovino, the sole agent who claimed to have witnessed the alleged a