If U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor occasionally steals a peek at the O.J. Simpson trial, she's likely most mindful of the courtroom's invisible players - the jury.
In a standing-room-only speech Monday at Westminster College, O'Connor said it's time to revamp America's jury system."There are some serious problems with how juries are operating, leading some people to won-der if we should just do away with trials decided by a jury," she said.
A frequent visitor to Utah's ski slopes, O'Connor said judges need to improve "working" conditions of jurors in cases ranging from routine car thefts to high-profile murder trials.
"Jury duty has become a burden rather than a privilege because the experience can be such a hassle," she said. "Jurors need to be treated with respect instead of like cattle herded in and out of the courtroom."
O'Connor also took a few shots at today's jury selection procedure.
She says potential jurors shouldn't be dismissed simply because they've read something about the case in the newspaper. "People who never read the news, watch the news on TV or think about issues are not necessarily incapable jurors - but are they a real representation of the community?" she asked.
The first woman appointed to the high court, O'Connor added that high-priced consultants often enlisted during jury selection can undermine the fairness of a trial by providing rich clients with a made-to-order jury.
Doing away with "all or nothing" verdicts in criminal cases should also be considered, she said.
"Think about permitting non-unanimous decision if, say, nine jurors find a defendant guilty and two vote not guilty," said O'Con-nor.
The Texas native also said jurors can do a better job if they're allowed to take notes during a trial.
"Remember, just because something has always been done in a particular way doesn't mean it can't be changed . . . jury reform needs to be looked at," she said.