Jury Nullification
Jury nullification occurs when a jury decides to acquit a defendant, even if the evidence clearly shows they are guilty of the charges. This can happen when jurors believe that the law itself is unjust or that applying it in a particular case would lead to an unfair outcome. Essentially, the jury is exercising its power to reject the law in favor of their moral judgment.
While jury nullification is a controversial practice, it is rooted in the principle of jury independence. Jurors have the right to make decisions based on their conscience, which can serve as a check on the legal system. However, it is important to note that jurors are typically not informed about this power during trials.