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Sentences depend on the current social norms. Social norms determine how most people think about things. Therefore, a sample of such 'ordinary' people may give a reliable sentence weighted by the current views of the society. Relying on a biased majority to give punishment to a criminal is unreliable at best and in some cases are completely unjustifiable as you are relying on another person's mindset to give punishment when the punishment should be set in stone, this would allow death penalty to be more reliable as a crime would be giving certain crimes absolute death in exchange for committing them, having absolute and harsh punishments are a far better alternative to relying on bias and iffy punishments.this isnt an answer but a question: if jurys are so reliable, why are they never asked to explain the reasons for their decision in writing so that they can be reviewed...

That is an excellent question. Honestly, I was thinking what would I do if I was called for 'Jury Duty' in some more serious case (criminal case). Proof would really have to be rock solid (like a video tape with accused taped killing/raping a victim). Otherwise, I would have difficulty in giving a 'Guilty' vote. Do you believe a jury is really the most reliable group to sentence a person? Trial by Jury has worked for centuries because few are casual about loosing sleep about wrongfully convicting somebody.
The LabConDem Government hates it because it costs lots more than a judge, and because its less work for people they ultimately have the power to control & appoint.

But…
All people should have the right to trial by jury
All people should be sentenced at a length agreed by a jury, and only a judge if they can’t agree.
Judges should just not monitor court decisions. Honestly, I do not feel that a jury is the best group to determine someone's innocence. If the jury is able to lie about a grudge they have with someone they could easily convince the rest that the defendant is guilty, truthfully, many people just assume that if someone is on trial they're guilty