Justice for all : the case for and against racially based jury-nullification

This five-part series on race and democracy includes compelling conversations and speeches that explore where issues of race and democracy collide. The series looks at how racism and racial realities pose a challenge to our democracy. Hate-related violence topics include the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma, the assassination of Israeli prime minister Yitzhak Rabin, and the torching of a store in New York, which have all been traced to inflammatory speech. Citizens are asking if heated political rhetoric, including vile hate speech, leads to violence, the endangerment of the citizenry, and therefore, should be limited legally.<br>The program offers various positions that are being put forth in regard to jury nullification. Paul Butler, associate professor of law at George Washington University, has written 'There is an increasing perception that some African American jurors vote to acquit Black defendants for racial reasons, sometimes explained as the juror's desire not to send another Black man to jail. There is considerable disagreement over whether it is appropriate for a Black juror to do so. I now believe that for pragmatic and political reasons, the Black community is better off when some non-violent lawbreakers remain in the community rather than go to prison.' The guests include Anthony Griffin, African American Texas NAACP counsel| Loretta Ross, former national program director for the Center for Democratic Renewal.