Hello students! I apologize for the lapse in course modules. Over the past week I was impacted by the Pay Fire in El Dorado County, where I reside. In addition, I was in a minor car accident earlier in the week. Both had significant impact on my ability to engage in the course. I am determined to make the most of the remaining time we have together and hope you will do the same.

Our discussion group topic this week will focus on jury nullification. The writing assignment will ask you to consider what you've learned about the jury system and propose and whether the system is need of reform; if yes, what should that reform look like? We'll be focusing on chapters 10-15 and 18-19. Several of these chapters are brief. I recognize that the break last week and the late start this week have had an impact on your workload for this week. As a result, the topics for the discussion group and writing assignment are very focused and should be manageable. However, if you run into any difficulty and need additional time, please email me. You may also always text me, if needed, at 530-330-5907.

Objectives

By the end of this week you will (among other things)...

Have a solid understanding of jury instructions and peremptory and other challenges.
Understand the limitations and strengths of the jury system and be able to articulate those.
Be able to soundly address the topic of jury nullification.
Gain a deeper understanding of how community values and changing times impact juries and jury verdicts.

Weekly Schedule

Activity

Estimated time required

Reading: The American Jury System - Chapters 10-15; 18 & 19.

Please watch the following video on jury nullification:

Bing Videos

The reading and video should take approximately 2 hours.

Discussion: After completing the completing the reading and reviewing the video on jury nullification, please conduct some independent research on jury nullification. Locate a case within the past 30 years where jury nullification was incorporated. This could be a case where the issue of jury nullification was alluded to in a closing argument (most likely by a self-represented defendant) OR the jury actually relied upon jury nullification to render its verdict. First, briefly describe the case you identified and the facts surrounding it. Next, address the following:

It has been said that jury nullification may undermine the integrity of the law because a small group of people are taking the law into their own hands. This prevents the law from being applied equally and weakens our legal system. On the other hand, some argue that there is merit to the idea of having an escape clause for unusual circumstances where applying the law would be fundamentally unfair. What is your position and why?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words. Please respond to a classmate's post in at least 75 words for full credit.

This assignment should take approximately 1 - 1.5 hours to complete (separate from the reading).

Assignment:

The final chapter of the book addresses jury reform. What areas of reform do you believe are necessary, if any? Please provide a detailed explanation for why or why not reform, in your opinion, is needed. Please also address the author's position that, for the most part, the jury system works and what's primarily needed is a change in the quality of evidence that's presented. Do you agree, or disagree? Why?

Your submission should be at least 200 words.

1 hour