In 1880, the United States Supreme Court, in Strauder v. West Virginia, ruled that it was unconstitutional to exclude African American men from jury service. As a work around, some suggest that Louisiana law makers used non-inamimous juries as a way to “water down” the vote so to speak. And many theorize that reducing the size of the jurors on the panel from twelve to six could further promote that objective. Others contend that six pack juries are a more efficient and cost worthy way of moving criminal cases.

Although several states (Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Indiana, Louisiana, and Utah) permit the use of six person juries for misdemeanors and lesser felony offenses, Florida remains one State that permits six person juries for all non-life eligible felony and noncapital offenses.

https://www.scotusblog.com/2026/08/twelve-angry-men-or-six/