Posted by Paul Hyett on 11/05/06 09:19

In rec.video.dvd.tech on Sat, 4 Nov 2006, PTravel wrote :
>
>"Citizen Bob" <spam@uce.gov> wrote in message
>news:454cd6a8.2315515@news-server.houston.rr.com...
>>
>> Statuatory law depends on the end of gun barrel. Common law depends on
>> 1 juror (cf. nullification).
>
>Nonsense. The purpose of law is to ensure predictability in social and
>commercial interactions, not to impose the will of a dictator on others.
>So-called jury nullification is not legal

Rubbish!

The whole point of having juries is to avoid arbitrary decisions by
those in power. If cases under a certain law keep getting nullified, it
sends a message that the law in question is unpopular/unenforceable.

> and, in any event, a judge can
>always enter judgment non obstante verdicto ("not withstanding the
>verdict").

Since when? Why even bother having juries if that was the case?

>>>However, as long as the laws it passes
>>>comply
>>>with Constitutional, they are legitimate and enforceable.
>>
>> That is not true. In the first place defendants who violate the law
>> can be exonerated by 1 juror.
>
>And that is not true.

It prevents conviction, and forces authorities into deciding whether a
retrial is worth the effort.
>>
>> Secondly the govt itself can violate any law it chooses with full
>> impunity.
>
>And that is also wrong.
>
Only in theory, not in practice, alas.
--
Paul 'Charts Fan' Hyett

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