Frequently Asked Questions

This information is provided for educational purposes. These are our observations only and do not constitute legal advice. FIJA does not offer legal advice or legal referrals.

This is a work in progress. If you have questions you would like us to answer here about juries and jury nullification, please email us at aji@fija.org.

Juries and Jury Nullification

• What is jury nullification?
• Is jury nullification legal?
• Why would a juror want to nullify?
• How do I use jury nullification to conscientiously acquit?
• If I conscientiously acquit, can I legally be punished?
• What are some examples of jury nullification?
• Should I bring up jury nullification with my fellow jurors?
• The jury instructions say or the judge said that jury nullification is invalid. Is that true?

Hung Juries

• Must the jury agree on a verdict?
• What happens if there is a hung jury?

Jury Nullification and Other Jury Issues in Capital Cases

• What does jury nullification refer to in capital cases?
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