JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- JURY NULLIFICATION AS PROPER TRIAL DEFENSE ARGUMENT (This joint resolution would propose to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.)
Impact
If passed, the amendment would amend Article I of the Rhode Island Constitution to formally recognize jury nullification as an appropriate argument during trial deliberations. This could significantly shift the dynamics within criminal trials, granting juries greater power to make decisions that reflect their conscience regarding the laws in question. The proponents of this bill argue that it supports the rights of defendants and reinforces the jury's role as a check on legal and governmental power.
Summary
House Bill H7395 proposes an amendment to the Rhode Island State Constitution, specifically to allow jury nullification to be presented as a legitimate defense argument in criminal trials. The bill articulates that a criminal defendant has the right to argue to the jury not only based on established law but also on the facts and broader considerations such as the moral implications of the law under which they are charged. This change aims to empower juries to consider whether specific laws are morally unjust or outdated, which may lead to different verdicts in criminal cases.
Contention
Opponents of H7395 may raise concerns about the potential for jury nullification to undermine the rule of law and create inconsistent verdicts based on subjective moral judgments rather than objective legal standards. Critics might argue that allowing jury nullification could lead to jurors acting out of bias or emotion, potentially complicating the legal system and affecting the delivery of justice. As such, there may be significant debate over the implications of this amendment, particularly regarding its challenges to legal uniformity and predictability in court outcomes.
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Jury Nullification As Proper Trial Defense Argument (this Joint Resolution Would Propose To The Voters A Constitutional Amendment Which Would Allow A Criminal Defendant To Argue Jury Nullification As A Defense.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Of Suffrage (would Propose To The Voters Of The State A Constitutional Amendment Regarding Eligibility To Vote And To Be A Candidate.)
Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution Of The State -- Referendum On Line Item Veto (this Proposed Amendment To The Constitution Would Provide The Governor With A Line Item Veto On The Budget And Other Bills For The Appropriation Of Money.)
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