{"id":352283,"date":"2023-10-16T20:54:38","date_gmt":"2023-10-17T01:54:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/jury-nullification.html"},"modified":"2023-10-16T20:54:38","modified_gmt":"2023-10-17T01:54:38","slug":"jury-nullification","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/jury-nullification.html","title":{"rendered":"Jury Nullification"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Jury Nullification<\/h1>\n
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\n By FindLaw Staff<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Jury nullification occurs when jurors believe in the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt but exercise the jury’s power to acquit. They might feel that the defendant doesn’t deserve to be punished under unjust laws.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Modern criminal law juries perform two essential functions in criminal trials. They’re the finders of fact, meaning they evaluate the evidence and credibility of witnesses. A trial judge gives the jurors the applicable law through jury instructions.<\/p>\r\n

Jurors swear an oath to follow those instructions and fulfill their duty impartially. Jury nullification<\/a> happens when juries disregard that oath and acquit a defendant because they disagree with the law.<\/p>\r\n

This article examines jury nullification, including its definition, legality, examples, and where to find more information.<\/p>\r\n

The Role of Juries in the American Legal System<\/h2>\r\n

The United States Constitution guarantees a trial by jury<\/a> to all persons accused of a crime. Juries are often comprised of citizens from all walks of life. No special skills or training are required.<\/p>\r\n

Millions of Americans are called for jury duty every year<\/a>. To qualify for jury service in a criminal case, you must be:<\/p>\r\n