Recommended Reading
Books
The Trial Jury — Thomas Andrew Green
We, the Jury — Jeffrey Abramson
The American Jury — Harry Kalven Jr. & Hans Zeisel
Jury Nullification — Clay S. Conrad
Landmark Cases
Read about influential cases that defined the relationship between juries, judges, and the law, and continue to shape discussions about jury independence today.
Bushell's Case (1670)
When jurors refused to convict William Penn despite pressure from the court, they were jailed. Bushell successfully challenged their imprisonment, helping establish the principle that jurors cannot be punished simply for their verdicts.
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John Peter Zenger Trial (1735)
John Peter Zenger was acquitted of seditious libel after his lawyer argued that truth should be a defense against the charge. The case became an important symbol of press freedom and the role of juries.
Fugitive Slave Act Cases
Some northern juries refused to convict individuals accused of violating the Fugitive Slave Act, making these cases among the most frequently cited historical examples in discussions of jury nullification.
Sparf v. United States (1895)
The U.S. Supreme Court held that judges are not required to instruct juries about their power to disregard the law, a decision that continues to influence modern jury instructions.
United States v. Dougherty (1972)
The D.C. Circuit Court ruled that judges generally are not required to inform juries about jury nullification, while acknowledging the jury's practical power to acquit.
Official Resources
For official information about jury service, court procedures, and jury instructions:
U.S. Courts – Jury Service: https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service
Federal Judicial Center: https://www.fjc.gov
National Center for State Courts: https://www.ncsc.org
U.S. Supreme Court Opinions: https://supreme.justia.com/
Founding Documents
Explore the constitutional and historical foundations of the American jury system.
U.S. Constitution — https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/
Sixth Amendment — https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-6/
Seventh Amendment — https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-7/
Bill of Rights — https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendments-1-10/
Magna Carta — https://www.bl.uk/magna-carta
Bushell's Case — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushell%27s_Case
Official Resources
For official information about jury service, court procedures, and jury instructions:
U.S. Courts – Jury Service: https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/jury-service
Federal Judicial Center: https://www.fjc.gov
National Center for State Courts: https://www.ncsc.org
U.S. Supreme Court Opinions: https://supreme.justia.com/
Founding Documents
Explore the constitutional and historical foundations of the American jury system.
U.S. Constitution — https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/
Sixth Amendment — https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-6/
Seventh Amendment — https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-7/
Bill of Rights — https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendments-1-10/
Magna Carta — https://www.bl.uk/magna-carta
Bushell's Case — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushell%27s_Case
DISCLAIMER:
This project does not seek to encourage unethical jury practices but aims to raise awareness about the concept and principles of jury nullification and the role it plays in the justice system. We do not seek to promote jury tampering, nor do we aim to influence any manipulation of the judicial process, including but not limited to the jury. We believe in promoting transparency and fairness in the judicial system, to maintain system integrity and public faith, and support actions that ensure justice is served.
This is an independent campaign, operated by a non-profit organization. It operates on a not-for-profit basis, ensuring all funds raised are directly invested in educational initiatives. Its goal is simply to educate New Yorkers about jurors' rights and their role in ensuring a fair justice system. Citzens for Jury Empowerment (CFJE) does not endorse illegal activities and is not affiliated with any external entities.
Statement of Intent and Compliance (Purpose and Legal Position)
Our message states our aim is to inform about jurors' rights and the significance of jury nullification within the legal system, without attempting to affect trial outcomes. Legal experts have reviewed our campaign to ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards. This reaffirms our dedication to fostering informed public discourse, grounding our approach in openness and integrity. We believe that individuals whose conduct is considered reprehensible should be held to account, while also upholding the legal principle that all are innocent until proven guilty. Should there be any misinterpretation of our campaign's intent, we clarify that such perceptions do not reflect our stated objectives, and any misunderstanding is due to individual interpretation, not our clearly stated purpose or beliefs. The responsibility for interpretations of the campaign lies within the hands of each individual; we are not liable for any misperceptions or misunderstandings, given our explicitly stated objective. Any deviation from this understanding is left to the interpreter's discretion.
We do not engage in commentary or take positions on legal matters. Our advertisements serve merely as a conversation starter to ignite a broader discussion on an important legal principle. Our mission is strictly educational; we are not here to advocate for any individual, specific cause, or any prospective case for that matter, but to foster a deeper understanding among the public. We maintain no personal opinions or stances on this matter, and should any such views be formed in the future, they would not affect our campaign. Furthermore, our personal perspectives are immaterial, as this matter falls exclusively within the jurisdiction of the court. Citizens for Jury Empowerment (CFJE) remains impartial in its operations and steadfast in its commitment to respect all legal proceedings, advocating for principles of good faith and justice.