The Secret Power of Jury Nullification Response In the Podcast “The Life of the Law, Episode 1, The Secret Power of Jury Nullification”, Shannon Heffernan explains the often overlook power of jury nullification in the U.S. court system. She defines nullification as, when a jury is convinced that a defendant is guilty but find the defendant innocent anyway. Heffernan provides examples of cases throughout history that aid the idea that nullification among juries can potentially benefit courtroom justice. She also weights its negative effects that cause potentially major injustices in courtrooms. Jury nullification is a positive aspect of courtroom justice, providing jury members with a voice in their community.
Historically jury nullification has protected Americans from unjust law and oversight. During the revolution nullification was able to protect Americans from British rule. It also aided in the abolition of slavery by protecting slaves from unjust laws that denied their rights. These are perfect examples of how juries are provided the power to …show more content…
courts. She also provides multiple examples through history, such as the U.S. revolution and prohibition, where jury nullification has had a large impact on shaping our nation. Insight provided by courtroom professionals benefits both the negative and positive effects of nullification. Diamond’s study puts the issue of nullification into perspective when she explains how rare nullification actually occurs and places trust in our juries because they contain the values that represent our society. Heffernan’s argument for the positive effects of jury nullification seems to outweigh the negative effects. Most examples jury nullification provided seem to be in cases of little significance, like the minor drug charges described by Paul Butler. Overall her podcast provides good arguments and insights for the positives and
Historically jury nullification has protected Americans from unjust law and oversight. During the revolution nullification was able to protect Americans from British rule. It also aided in the abolition of slavery by protecting slaves from unjust laws that denied their rights. These are perfect examples of how juries are provided the power to …show more content…
courts. She also provides multiple examples through history, such as the U.S. revolution and prohibition, where jury nullification has had a large impact on shaping our nation. Insight provided by courtroom professionals benefits both the negative and positive effects of nullification. Diamond’s study puts the issue of nullification into perspective when she explains how rare nullification actually occurs and places trust in our juries because they contain the values that represent our society. Heffernan’s argument for the positive effects of jury nullification seems to outweigh the negative effects. Most examples jury nullification provided seem to be in cases of little significance, like the minor drug charges described by Paul Butler. Overall her podcast provides good arguments and insights for the positives and