About this project
Jury duty is a powerful thing, it's sad that most of us try to escape it.
I want to inspire potential jurors by explaining a largely-unknown legal power. I'm writing, illustrating, and publishing a booklet about Jury Nullification that I will distribute next month, for free, outside the Brooklyn Division of Jurors.
A jury system protects society from lawbreakers, but it also can protect society from bad law. A jury can nullify a law it believes unjust in a process called Jury Nullification–it's our power to judge the law, and not just evidence. And when might this special power be used? It could be applied to all drug-related charges decided by a jury.
In 2008, creators of HBO's The Wire wrote, "If asked to serve on a jury deliberating a violation of state or federal drug laws, we will vote to acquit, regardless of the evidence presented. We will no longer tinker with the machinery of the drug war."
Finding a defendant guilty must be by unanimous jury vote. One vote of not guilty destroys a drug war trial.
In many jurisdictions it is forbidden for attorneys to advise juries of their power to nullify–jurors must learn of it through extra-legal sources. This project is for development of such a source. I've received sponsorship from the Brooklyn Arts Council and the NY Department of Cultural Affairs to illustrate the story. With your support, I plan to print 3000 booklets to give away to potential jurors; your pledge will only be taken if the full fundraising goal is reached.
Thank you!
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Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on June 1, 2011.
Pledge $10 or more Pledge $10 or more
Receive updates about the project, including dates and addresses of where I will be distributing the booklet. Come down and pick up a free copy! Plus, receive a link to a PDF download of "Jury Independence Illustrated."
Pledge $25 or more Pledge $25 or more
Receive updates and distribution info, PDF download, and 5 copies of the booklet itself.
Pledge $150 or more Pledge $150 or more
Receive updates and distribution info, PDF download, and 50 copies of the booklet to share with your friends.
Pledge $500 or more Pledge $500 or more
Producer! This pledge is a real angel investment. Receive the updates and info, PDF, 5 signed booklets, plus a signed 1st edition copy (hardcover - long out of print) of my first book, "It's Just a Plant" (www.justaplant.com).
Pledge $1,500 or more Pledge $1,500 or more
You must be rich! This pledge enables me to print an additional 1000+ booklets. Receive the updates and info, PDF, 5 signed booklets, plus an original illustration from my first book, "It's Just a Plant." See the drawings you can choose from here: www.justaplant.com/kickstarter
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I've illustrated books about marijuana, electricity, the Jamaican bobsled team, and children who can't Go the Fuck to Sleep. Take a look at my website, if you like, there's lots there...
