Jury Nullification

[RespectTradition]

Historically, it has been the right, even duty, of juries to judge not just the facts of a case but the law. For the last 100 or so years, this has been under attack. This has undoubtedly been part of the expansion of government power and the idea of jury nullification had to be negated, nullified even, in order to take a tool of freedom away from the people. (I know I sound paranoid, but that does not mean I am wrong!)

Wisconsin Lawyer February 2012: Juries Unaware of Traditional Power | State Bar of Wisconsin

The above is a very good essay about jury nullification. It specifically applies to Wisconsin, but it generally applies to us all.

So I am wondering, how many of you approve of the idea of juries refusing to convict when the law is unjust?

Just an example, when juries would refuse to convict people helping escaping slaves when they were prosecuted under the Fugitive Slave act.

 

[MystifyingVol]

Power to the people!

Yes, it's a part of the balance of power.

 

[DyronNix]

O.J. Simpson thinks jury nullification is fantastic!!!

 

[GAVol]

I sat on a jury like that. A dude shot a convenience store owner who then chased him into the parking lot with a glock. The dumbass DA tried to charge the clerk with Aggravated Assault because he kept firing after the guy left the property.