Though jurors are sworn to uphold the law during their deliberation, they still have the power to decide that a defendant is innocent even when all signs point to their guilt. Prosecutor Paul Butler traces the ways this hidden process was a boon for abolitionists in the 1800’s, and a curse to contemporary prosecutors arguing for a guilty verdict.

This podcast explores the history of jury nullification and examples of its use, both positive and negative. This is part of a series of podcasts produced by The Life of the Law.

Life of the Law explores the relationship of law to American society and culture, reaching into the parallel worlds of scholars and journalists, engaging the listener’s imagination through sound-rich narrative storytelling, and presenting investigative reporting and thoughtful analysis over multiple platforms, including broadcast radio, a podcast, a blog, and live events.

http://www.lifeofthelaw.org/2012/09/the-secret-power-of-jury-nulification/

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