What occurs during jury nullification?

Study for the Criminology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

During jury nullification, the jury makes a deliberate decision to refuse to convict a defendant, even if the evidence presented would typically warrant a guilty verdict. This can occur for a variety of reasons, including the jury's belief that the law itself is unjust or that the application of the law in that particular case would lead to an unjust outcome. Essentially, the jury is asserting its moral judgment over the strict application of the law. This phenomenon underscores the power juries hold in the legal system to influence justice based on collective community values, which can sometimes diverge from statutory law.

The other options do not accurately represent the concept of jury nullification. They either describe typical procedural aspects of jury deliberation or present limitations on the jury's consideration of evidence, neither of which captures the essence of nullification. The uniqueness of this situation lies in the jury's capacity to act on their conscience, prioritizing their moral assessment over the legal framework.

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