Dressler, p. 19-28: Jury
Nullification
Introductory Comment
J.D. sets up the question:
should juries be able to nullify laws?
Should they be told they can do so?
Case: State v. Ragland
My view of jury
nullification
Jury nullification is not
inherently good or bad. It can be used
for good purposes or for bad purposes.
Any individual’s highest duty
is to do what they believe is right, whether or not it is legal. However, they must weigh this duty against
the possible consequences of their actions, including being punished for
violating the law. What is unique about
jury nullification is that the jury cannot be punished and cannot be
overruled.
What are some things I can
do? I can spray paint “MIKE RULES” on
the door of the law school, unless I get caught in the act. Is this something I ought to do? No. Is
this something that is expedient for me to do? No, because my expected cost exceeds the
expected benefit.
Even if it is my legal duty
as a juror to decide a case based on the facts, it is my moral duty to vote
according to what I believe the outcome ought to be.