|
|
Why I'm Running for Clerk of
Courts
by Steven R.
Linnabary
After many years of working for social justice in our community, I have found one issue that I believe needs to be addressed in Columbus and Franklin County.
The one issue that I believe can make ALL citizens proud of our justice system is the concept of "Jury Nullification." It is the idea that when a citizen steps into the jury box, they take with them the responsibility to judge not only the guilt or innocence of the accused, but also the relevance and appropriate use of applicable law.
When all prospective jurors are informed of their RIGHTS of nullification, we will see citizens look forward to serving jury duty for their community. I want to see this day. There is probably little more detestable than seeing a juror in tears because they had convicted a person that they felt shouldn't have ever been brought to trial - simply because a judge had told them erroneously that they must follow the law as instructed.
Jury nullification has a long history in the United States, with the concept going back even into English common law to the Magna Carta.
I plan to take this message to all the voters (all of whom are prospective jurors) of Franklin County. I look forward to meeting you and other voters.