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.”

  • Josey_Wales@lemm.ee
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    5 days ago

    If all vote not guilty it’s called an acquittal.

    Source: I have been a public defender in NYC for 15 years.

    • Theroddd@lemmy.ml
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      5 days ago

      Right… And they would vote not guilty even though the guilt is obvious. Despite the evidence…

      I have been penguine emperor of Iran for 38 year.