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- Wed Jun 29, 2016 9:45 am
#26771
Passage Discussion
Passage A
The first paragraph introduces the topic of jury nullification, explains when it is used, and gives a hint to what the rest of the passage will focus on - the problems that can arrise when this relatively rare process is employed. The next three paragraphs do exactly that, listing 3 problems with jury nullification: 1) we don't know whether jury nullification is used for good or evil, 2) juries often make nullification decisions based on insufficient evidence and 3) this process allows jurors to acquit defendants despite the fact that they were charged with breaking the law and the judge instructed them otherwise. This is an issue because jurors aren't elected or accountable, but they can weild this level of power. Passage A emphasizes the lack of transparency in the process.
Passage B:
This passage introduces jury nullification very differently, as an important check on the discretion of police and prosecutors. This author also believes that jury nullification checks the legislation, which can be overly broad and potentially incorrectly applied to the defendant in the instant case. Passage B also acknowledges that jury nullification is rare, and because of that rarity the jurors are likely not relying on impermissible factors to make their decision.
Passage A
The first paragraph introduces the topic of jury nullification, explains when it is used, and gives a hint to what the rest of the passage will focus on - the problems that can arrise when this relatively rare process is employed. The next three paragraphs do exactly that, listing 3 problems with jury nullification: 1) we don't know whether jury nullification is used for good or evil, 2) juries often make nullification decisions based on insufficient evidence and 3) this process allows jurors to acquit defendants despite the fact that they were charged with breaking the law and the judge instructed them otherwise. This is an issue because jurors aren't elected or accountable, but they can weild this level of power. Passage A emphasizes the lack of transparency in the process.
Passage B:
This passage introduces jury nullification very differently, as an important check on the discretion of police and prosecutors. This author also believes that jury nullification checks the legislation, which can be overly broad and potentially incorrectly applied to the defendant in the instant case. Passage B also acknowledges that jury nullification is rare, and because of that rarity the jurors are likely not relying on impermissible factors to make their decision.