Sometimes we have stupid laws. Does anyone here have a good strategy to deal with them?
The primary function of the independent juror is not to dispense or condone punishment, but rather to PROTECT fellow citizens from tyrannical abuses of power by government.
Another way to put it is that sometimes we have stupid laws, and it's up to the jury to say so. Check out fija.org for more information.
There are laws prohibiting risky behavior. These laws replace the natural consequences of risky behavior (both good and bad) with expensive artificial consequences. In this way, all adults, foolish and wise alike, are prevented from taking risks. They are prevented - at significant cost to: everyone. They are also prevented from gaining first-hand experience (both good and bad), and that, perhaps, is the greatest cost.
For example, gun control laws hinder good and brave citizens who might otherwise put down people like James Holmes and that idiot in Oak Creek before they do so much killing or simply make their plans too risky to start in the first place. Laws against the use of marijuana prevent this cheap and abundant medicinal plant from providing relief to multitudes. Laws requiring the payment of taxes fund horrendous wars and encourage presidents to lie about them. And don't forget that prohibiting a behavior prevents law-abiding citizens from discovering the results on their own, and that, perhaps, is the greatest cost.
All of these bad effects of legislation can be decreased by jurors who understand their proper role. I urge the city council to help all Murrietans become fully informed, perhaps by providing a link to fija.org on the city council website, and lobbying the county to do the same.
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