Tom609
Member
The concept of Jury Nullification should be publicized more vigorously in cases such as this when the general consensus is that the punishment is totally unrealistic considering the alleged crime. I'm not a cannabis advocate, but I followed this local case closely http://www.secretsofthefed.com/nj-weedman-found-not-guilty-in-jury-nullification-victory/
The defendant didn't deny the charge, but he was able to communicate to the jury that they had the right to follow their conscience when, in their judgement, the law as applied was unfair and unusually harsh. Weedman is a very smart guy who outmaneuvered the judge who threatened him with contempt of court. South Jersey is not New York. I talk to people that would otherwise be considered anti-gun and they have a hard time with the blatant unfairness of this case. More on Jury Nullification here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_nullification#Fugitive_Slave_Law
It only takes one juror to make it work. Personally, I think the pressure will get the prosecutor to rethink the charge.
The defendant didn't deny the charge, but he was able to communicate to the jury that they had the right to follow their conscience when, in their judgement, the law as applied was unfair and unusually harsh. Weedman is a very smart guy who outmaneuvered the judge who threatened him with contempt of court. South Jersey is not New York. I talk to people that would otherwise be considered anti-gun and they have a hard time with the blatant unfairness of this case. More on Jury Nullification here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_nullification#Fugitive_Slave_Law
It only takes one juror to make it work. Personally, I think the pressure will get the prosecutor to rethink the charge.