State v. SUPERIOR COURT, IN AND FOR CTY. OF PIMA

OPINION

RICHMOND, Chief Judge.

The state has brought a special action to challenge the respondent court’s ordering a justice court jury trial for the real party in interest on the misdemeanor charge of shoplifting. A.R.S. § 13-673. 1 Because the issue is a recurring one, inviting guidance for justice court operation, we assume jurisdiction and deny relief.

The constitutional right to trial by jury does not extend to petty offenses. Callan v. Wilson, 127 U.S. 540, 8 S.Ct. 1301, 32 L.Ed. 223 (1888); O’Neill v. Mangum, 103 Ariz. 484, 445 P.2d 843 (1968); Rothweiler v. Superior Court, 100 Ariz. 37,…