What is jury nullification in simple terms?
Definition of jury nullification : the acquitting of a defendant by a jury in disregard of the judge’s instructions and contrary to the jury’s findings of fact.
Is talking about jury nullification illegal?
Yes, jury nullification is legal in the United States and many other countries as well. The rest of this section will discuss only the details with respect to the United States.
Why should I use jury nullification?
List of the Pros of Jury Nullification Nullification can be used as its own form of moral justice. In July 2017, Jayson Newlun was allegedly discovered molesting a 1-year-old girl that was left in his care. It prevents personal bias from entering into the conviction process. The process provides needed checks and balances in the justice system. It allows juries to have the final say.
What are some notable instances of jury nullification?
Famous Jury Nullification Cases Trial of John Peter Zenger. John Peter Zenger was a New York printer who published the material against the ill-reputed governor of New York, William Cosby. Dr. Jack Kevorkian. William Roger Clemens. R. Bushel’s Case, (1670) 124 E.R. James Hickok’s Trial. Shadrach Minkins. United States v. Georgia v. Julian Heicklen.
What are the pros and cons of the jury nullification?
Jury Nullification Pros and Cons Juries Have the Responsibility To Use Their Own Judgment. In controversial cases, a judge will often instruct a jury that they are supposed to decide on the merits of the It Could Set Some People Free. It Allows For Variation Within the Law. There Is a Legal Standard for Jury Nullification.
What are arguments against jury nullification?
The argument against jury nullification is essentially that it is an abuse of the very discretion that we grant juries. Juries are charged with applying the law as described by the judge to the facts of the case. Finding someone not guilty because they disagree with the law is technically outside the purview of the jury.