jury nullification

Jury nullification occurs when a jury, during a trial, unanimously acquits a defendant despite evidence of guilt because they believe the law is unfair, unjust, or wrongly applied. In essence, the jury is choosing to prioritize their sense of justice or moral judgment over strict adherence to the law. While juries have this power, it is not officially acknowledged, and they are typically instructed to apply the law as given. Nullification highlights the jury’s role as a safeguard against unjust laws, but it can also lead to inconsistent or unpredictable legal outcomes.