We hypothesized that when mock jurors are given a nullification instruction in a marijuana case they are more likely to find the defendant innocent, compared to mock jurors who do not receive jury nullification instruction. In our study, data trended in favor of a lower likelihood of a guilty verdict when nullification instructions were given, whereas previous research has provided clear indication of the influence of jury nullification instruction on jury decision. (Horowitz, 1985; Schuller & Rzepa, 2002) However, the trend found in our study is consistent with findings of previous studies, which have provided support for the influence of jury nullification instruction in various legal scenarios. (Hill & Pfeifer, 1992; Kerwin & Schaffer, 1991; Schuller & Rzepa, 2002)
Regardless of the type of legal case, jurors who are presented jury nullification instructions are more likely to draw conclusions based upon their own conscience rather than consult legal policies during deliberation, which affects the resulting verdict. Conscious collective decisions are the most likely outcome, as jurors are granted the right to reject the law as they see fit. Due to this, the use of nullification instructions may continue to decline, as has occurred over the last century. (Smith, 1999)
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Policy changes could affect various aspects of society, including but not limited to potentially affecting the number of drug convictions each year. While the intended purpose of the use of nullification instructions is not to change the laws in place (Cornell University Law School, 1992), established policies could be changed in the future given consistent nullification verdicts are rendered in cases that are similar in context (i.e. euthanasia; marijuana). Policy makers may take nullification verdicts into consideration when forming new laws, and also when modifying existing