Another jury refuses to convict a marijuana offender

23536

23536

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Stop resisting!
http://stopthedrugwar.org/speakeasy/2012/aug/16/another_jury_revolts_against_mar

Jacob Sullum shares this incredible story from a defense attorney in Kansas.

I had a jury trial this morning on level 3 possession with intent MJ, level 4 possession drug paraphernalia and level 10 no drug tax stamp. During voir dire, my almost all white, middle-class, middle-aged jury went into full rebellion against the prosecutor stating that they wouldn't convict even if the client's guilt was proven beyond a reasonable doubt -- almost all of them! They felt marijuana should be legalized, what he does with it is his own business and that the jails are already full of people for this silly charge. Then, when the potential jurors found out that the State wanted him to pay taxes on illegal drugs, they went nuts. One woman from the back said how stupid this was and why are we even here wasting our time. A "suit" from the front said this was the most ridiculous thing he'd ever heard. The prosecutor ended up dismissing the case. Judge gave me a dismissal with prejudice. I'm still laughing my ass off over this one. I have NEVER seen a full on mutiny by an entire jury pool before. Easiest win ever!
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In so many ways, the drug war's own exploding unpopularity is poised to become its downfall. Events like this aren't the norm (yet), but the mere threat of insurrection in the courtroom is already an important check against prosecutorial overreach in the war on drugs (in case you were wondering why so many medical marijuana raids never lead to criminal charges).

As the polls continue to turn in favor of reform, the refusal of juries to convict marijuana offenders could quickly become a brutal burden for these drug war boneheads to bear. It's about damn time.

http://stopthedrugwar.org/speakeasy/2012/aug/16/another_jury_revolts_against_mar
 
No drug tax stamp? They're worried about people not paying taxes on illegal marijuana?

Does the Marijuana Tax Act still aplly in the USA? What the fuck?
 
Sounds like they are talking about a state court, not a federal one. That means they are being convicted under state laws, not federal laws. Several states still have some variation of tax stamps on the books. Prosecutors are rarely questioned for these ridiculous practices. If this is true as presented, it would be fun to hear a recording of the jury's deliberation.
 
slimvictor said:
^ Amen.
This is the practice of democracy.
It gets me very excited and happy.
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Eventually, if this continues, maybe it will get prevalent enough for them to address marijuana laws in a serious manner. They obviously don't take the legalization efforts seriously, especially with Obama ignoring questions.
 
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