The Second Side

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When you stop believing in coincidence, paranoia is only a heartbeat away.

Monday, August 29, 2005

What Judges Won't Tell You

Did you know that if you serve on a jury, you have the right to judge not only the facts of the case, but the law itself? Did you know that a jury can refuse to convict if they believe the law is lacking in merit? Did you know that juries can set aside laws they deem to be unfair, unconstitutional or misapplied?
If you were unaware of all this, you're not alone. The rights of the jury are not taught in schools, nor do judges inform juries of their full powers. Instead, judges tell the jury that they must consider only the facts of the case, and in some cases attorneys have been held in contempt of court for attempting to inform juries of their rights without the judge's approval.
If you find yourself called upon to serve in the wretched U.S. court system, go to the American Jury Institute and learn your rights, powers and responsibilities.

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