NH Supreme Court Decides “Jury Nullification” Law Not A Jury Nullification Law

NH Supreme Court Decides “Jury Nullification” Law Not A Jury Nullification Law

by | Oct 24, 2014 | Announcements

Rich Paul 420 2014

Rich Paul

I always thought the language in RSA 519:23-a (commonly referred to as the jury nullification statute) was weak. In fact, the state’s attorney argued in front of the NH supreme court that before it passed into law, the legislature stripped all mention of jury nullification from the original bill. From the state’s perspective, their attorney was correct, and the supreme court unanimously affirmed that the statute is not a jury nullification statute.  Here’s their seven-page decision.

The statute in question is a shadow of what it should have been. Perhaps the legislature can try again and get it right this time. Until then, whether or not a defendant will be allowed to tell a jury about nullification (which has happened multiple times thus far in NH) remains up-to-the-judge in the case, it seems.  Stay tuned to Free Keene for or NHJury.com for the latest news about jury rights in New Hampshire.

Reason has an excellent take on the news here, and FIJA’s opinion is here.

Jury Nullification Advocate Rich Paul Out of Jail, Off Probation!

Jury Nullification Advocate Rich Paul Out of Jail, Off Probation!

by | Oct 14, 2014 | Announcements

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Rich Paul

NH Jury nullification advocate Rich Paul is out of jail! Rich recently spent a few extra months in jail in order to no longer have probation when he got out. (Though he is still on a suspended sentence.)  Activists convoyed out and picked him up this morning at 6am, then stopped by Central Square to enjoy a smoke, followed by breakfast downtown.  Later today, Rich will have lunch with friends.

Video of his release to come – watch Free Keene for an update.  Rich is excited to get started expanding NH Jury as an activist and outreach organization.

Don’t miss Rich speaking at Keenevention 2014 this October 31st through November 2nd – tickets are available now for $60 USD or BTC. Pre-event ticketing is limited to just 100, so don’t wait until the day-of to buy!