solidarity

politics

Sometimes politicians create laws you may not agree with. If you are a US citizen you have the power to nullify these laws through the lesser known right of jury nullification. It just means that even if you think the defendant is guilty of the crime, you can vote not guilty if you don't support the law. It is essential that all Americans are informed of this right, it is an important check on the state's power. If they pass an immoral law, but enough jurors are not willing to convict, then the law loses power. 

If you are going to stand by your principles and exercise this right, be prepared for other jurors to pressure you into just voting guilty so everyone can go home. You have to stand strong, refuse to do so, and do your best to convince the other jurors to vote not guilty. 

Jury nullification is one of the reasons why alcohol prohibition failed, because so many jurors disagreed with the law and refused to convict regardless of guilt. Jury duty is a chore, but also an opportunity to make a difference.

One way to show solidarity with victims of State criminalization: if you get called for jury duty, do it and vote Not Guilty.

I'm here to build global community. Artist, collector, father and husband, leftist, LGBTQ. Twitter @ OurCoOpFuture. pfp by xeriesjame. Creator of /solidarity

On this we agree. Jury nullification for all cases excepting violence against innocents.

VP Eng at Ulys 
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web3 eng leader 🟠 Rustacean 🟠 Bitcoiner (nonmaxi) 🟠 econ geek 🟠 Coinbase alum

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That would be my exception as well. But it's really a small minority of criminal charges.