Federal Court To Hear Denver Challenge To Jury Nullification

A federal judge is scheduled to hear evidence in a lawsuit arguing that a Denver judge cannot bar people from telling potential jurors outside a courthouse that they have a right to ignore laws they believe are wrong.

Attorney David Lane filed a lawsuit against the city and Denver police, asking a federal judge to stop police from arresting people on jury tampering charges. Two people have already been arrested, and a Denver judge has posted a warning against any other attempts to influence jurors.

Jury nullification happens when a jury refuses to convict despite the evidence because of moral beliefs.

Prosecutors say potential jurors, including some involved in a death penalty case, may have been given notices that might influence their decisions.