[magslinger]

I was thinking more along the line of being a defendant rather than juror, but jury nullification is a valid legal ruling to be used where an action, though illegal, is not wrong. See a lawyer if you want a better definition. If I were a juror I would be able to listen to the facts of the case and decide on their merits. Someone assaulting a person in the act of pouring blood on a member of our armed forces would likely cause me to nullify the charges. That does not mean I would see against a war protestor in all cases.

[atomic_dog]

I know what you mean and I agree. However, in California when they swear you in as a juror (if you read the actual oath) you swear that you will not engage in jury nullification (not in those exact words) and obey the judges instructions. If you tell them you do not agree with this (in my case, speak the truth) your are immediately dismissed from the pool. If you sit on jury and talk to the other jurors about nullification the judge can order a mistrial and have you charged with contempt of court. Not frequent but has happened at least once.