Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Would-Be Jurors Stage 'Mutiny' in Marijuana Case

Potential jurors staged a “mutiny” during a felony drug case, a Missoula County prosecutor says, and authorities worry the result will be viewed as a game-changer when it comes to future attempts at prosecuting drug cases in Montana.

Nearly all 27 Missoula County residents during the jury selection process on Thursday told District Court Judge Dusty Deschamps there was no way they would convict anybody of having a couple of buds of marijuana.

“I thought, ‘Geez, I don’t know if we can seat a jury,’” said Deschamps, who called a recess...

...During the recess called by Deschamps on Thursday, Deputy Missoula County Attorney Andrew Paul worked out a plea agreement with the defense.

“A mutiny,” Paul told the Missoulian in describing the actions of the potential jurors...

..."I think it's going to become increasingly difficult to seat a jury in marijuana cases, at least the ones involving a small amount," Deschamps said.

from Law.com

h/t
Fascist Soup

More on jury nullification and juror's rights at the Fully Informed Jury Association

Jury Nullification and the Rule of Law

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