What is a jury nullification?

Jury nullification is a process in which a jury in a court of law, typically in the state of Maryland, renders a verdict of "not guilty" despite the evidence presented. This occurs when a jury believes that the law itself is unjust, or that the defendant should not be held to the same standards of accountability as other individuals in similar cases. This means the jury is choosing to ignore the facts presented, and instead focus on the morality or justice of the case. Jury nullification is extremely rare, but it is possible in Maryland courts. Jury nullification is not intended to be a form of anarchy or a way to defy court orders. It is instead a way for the jury to balance their interpretation of justice and the law. This is usually done in cases in which the jury believes that the person being prosecuted is not a threat to society, or that the charges are too harsh for the offense or are being applied unequally. Jury nullification does have real implications for the legal system. When the jury chooses to ignore the evidence and the law and decide to render a "not guilty" verdict, it can have the effect of undermining the power of the court, setting an important precedent, and preventing similar cases from reaching trial. One example of jury nullification occurred in Maryland in the case of U.S. v. Dougherty, where the jury chose to not convict a group of demonstrators who were charged with multiple felonies, due to their belief that the charges were unjust.

Related FAQs

What does it mean to invoke the Fifth Amendment?
How do I serve a summons?
What is the burden of proof in a criminal court case?
What is an order to show cause?
What is a plea deal?
What is attorney-client privilege?
What is a legal brief?
What is the difference between a jury trial and a bench trial?
What is the difference between a judge and a magistrate?
What is the difference between a trial and a hearing?

What is a jury nullification?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts