(CNN) -- What is it with juries in high-profile cases in Southern California? Over the years, they've become a national joke. But no one is laughing. Instead, with each travesty of justice and every acquittal that should have been a conviction, you're left wondering just what trial these 12 folks were watching and questioning whether we should have higher standards for who sits on a jury. Sometimes, the juries in local and state courts get it wrong, and the Justice Department must step in and make it right. Think back to the acquittal in April 1992 of four Los Angeles police officers who, one year earlier, savagely beat motorist Rodney King. They walked out of a courtroom in Simi Valley, California, as free men -- sparking days of rioting, looting and violence.
@highlight
Ruben Navarrette: Too many high-profile cases in California produce travesties of justice
@highlight
He says jury acquitted two ex-cops in malicious beating death captured on video
@highlight
He says case showed abuse of power, bullying behind badge; happens too often in U.S.
@highlight
Navarrette: Only one place left that can right this wrong: The Justice Department.
The officers were tried again, and convicted in federal court of violating @placeholder's civil rights.