Sometimes the law is unjust. The law itself may be morally reprehensible, the penalties may be too harsh for the crime, or an ordinarily reasonable law may seem unfair in a particular case. In these cases, jurors may sometimes resort to a practice known as jury nullification, meaning they base their verdict not on the […]
A Definition of Juror Misconduct Along With a Few Examples
The American criminal justice system is based upon the ability of a defendant to present his case before an unbiased jury of his peers. But jury misconduct may occur if a juror fails to follow the law or a judge’s instructions. While these acts could negatively affect a defendant’s right to a fair trial, the […]
Larry David Has ‘No Lessons Learned’ Regarding Courtroom Proceedings
Mark Twain advised entertainers to ‘never let the truth get in the way of a good story.” Throughout the twelve seasons of HBO’s Curb Your Enthusiasm, Larry David heartily embraced those words, making a farce of his own life as he plays a fictional version of himself. Of course, he already test-drove this recipe for success […]
What is the Meaning of a Hung Jury?
We strive to explain the criminal process in a way that makes sense to the average person so our prospective clients know what to expect as they navigate the justice system. One aspect of the system that commonly confuses people is the concept of hung juries. While most people know that a jury must reach […]