If we are going to ignore its verdicts, why have a jury at all?

In this Aug. 12, 2013 photo, Steven Davis, center, is comforted after speaking outside federal court in Boston where a jury found James &quot;Whitey&quot; Bulger guilty on several counts of murder, racketeering and conspiracy. (AP Photo/Josh Reynolds, File)

Trials are about cold facts, hard evidence and the rights of the accused as much as they are about the pain of the aggrieved.

Courtrooms Dispense Justice, Not Closure

In this courtroom sketch, Steven Davis, second right, brother of slain Debra Davis, is comforted by his wife, right, as he testifies at the sentencing hearing for James "Whitey" Bulger, left, at federal court in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013. Bulger was convicted in August in a broad indictment that included racketeering charges in a string of murders in the 1970s and '80s, as well as extortion, money-laundering and weapons charges. Jurors could not agree whether Bulger was involved in Debra Davis' killing. (Jane Flavell Collins/AP)

In this courtroom sketch, Steven Davis, second right, brother of slain Debra Davis, is comforted by his wife, right, as he testifies at the sentencing hearing for James "Whitey" Bulger, left, at federal court in Boston, Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2013. Bulger was convicted in August in a broad indictment that included racketeering charges in a string of murders in the 1970s and '80s, as well as extortion, money-laundering and weapons charges. Jurors could not agree whether Bulger was involved in Debra Davis' killing. (AP Photo/Jane Flavell Collins)