That was essentially John Adams argument when he successfully defended the Red Coats who were, in fact, tried by a Boston jury, and acquitted, save, I believe one, convicted of manslaughter. The penalty for a first conviction of manslaughter was to be branded on the hand with a signifying mark. The penalty for a second conviction was hanging. This was this individual’s first conviction.
Mitt, why dost thou transport thy hound on the top of thy wagon?