MVCC Jury Nullification Discussion

In this chapter you were introduced to court and trial proceedings. You also learned about “jury nullification” as exemplified by the OJ Simpson case, where at least one juror admitted that it was a form of “payback” for the acquittal of Los Angeles police officers in the Rodney King beating trial. Jurors take an oath in which they agree to follow the law as the judge gives it. However, jury nullification–although not formally recognized–is an accepted reality in trial work, as it is generally considered a form of “social justice.” Do you think there are circumstances where jury nullification is appropriate? Why or why not? Shouldn’t the law always be followed?