Trail by Jury

Recently, was following the case of trial by jury of Michael Jackson. Was always curious on how the jury is selected, and when is a trial done by jury.
http://www.212.net/crime/jury.htm
gives a very nice overview of the jury selection process. Aparently, it is completely messed up system. Any eligible voter can be called for jury duty, and the lawyers on both sides can put forth various arguments for dismissing or choosing particular jury members. And the final selection is based on stereotypes, race, gender, sex, age, leftist or not, and many such issue. It was interesting to read - the lawyers don't want left leaning highly educated people from cities, because they will have independent and rational thinking, and cannot easily be enticed to take sides. And the article quotes, "In England, the trial begins after the jury is selected. In the United States, the trial is over after the jury is selected."