Jury nullification is the term for when a jury declines to convict a defendant despite overwhelming evidence of guilt. This can be a form of civil disobedience, a political statement against a specific law, or a show of empathy and support to the defendant.

“It’s not a legal defense sanctioned under the law,” said Cheryl Bader, associate professor of law at Fordham School of Law. “It’s a reaction by the jury to a legal result that they feel would be so unjust or morally wrong that they refuse to impose it, despite what the law says.”

  • Shortstack@reddthat.com
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    19 hours ago

    Never thought I’d see a mainstream outlet discussing this. There’s less plausible deniability for potential jurors now

    • orcrist@lemm.ee
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      8 hours ago

      I am confident some evidence will be debatable. It’s quite possible that jurors can honestly say they aren’t convinced beyond a reasonable doubt. The arrest alone is bizarre, and the trial will bring all sorts of things.