Jury nullification is simply a voter refusing to follow the law when the juror feels that the the law or the result of following the would be unjust.  This ability to literally ignore the law is a central part of american jurisprudence.  It is not, however, something that any juror will be instructed on by the court system.  In fact, the system will do everything possible to stop jurors from using this power.  The rationale for the courts efforts is simple, if enough people did it, then the courts would be largely ineffective.  So the courts have taken steps to curb its use.  A basic method used is the prevention of attorneys from being able to tell jurors that jury nullification is an option.  That doesn't mean that attorneys will not try, but if they are too obvious then there could be serious reprecussions for them and their client. But jury nullification is not illegal for jurors.  In fact, there is no punishment of any kind for jurors who exercise this option.  Therefore, you as a juror should be aware of this option and even use it if it is appropriate.

    That is why I maintain that all blacks should always consider jury nullification.  Jury nullification should be used when the law is patently unjust and discriminatorially aimed at black and brown people.  Black and Brown jurors should simply refuse to convict.  Plan and simple.  Further, I would extend this to include non-race based decisions as well, but that is another discussion.  Basically, jury nullification is another tool that blacks can and should use to effect change in American society. But that is the only time that it should be used.  Making change in america means more than just letting a black face get away with a crime.  That I do not support.  However, given that the system is designed to put blacks in jail for largely economic crimes while letting child molesters, rapist and murderers go free, one must take into account what that does directly to black communities and black families.

    As an admitted black conservative, I think there should be strict punishment for criminals.  I think that all blacks are conservative when it comes to crime in general. This is the major problem with race based jury nullification and criminal cases.  It involves letting criminals back onto the streets to continue to plague our communities and kill our children.  Therefore race based jury nullification by itself must be avoided.  Instead the juror is urged to look at the totality of the situation and consider such things as race, fairness, background, negro history in america, the offensiveness of the crime, does the punishment fit the crime and is it a death penalty case before deciding whether to engage in jury nullification or not.  Then make an individualized decision based on those facts for that particular case as to whether it would be fair to find this person guilty of the crime.  Of these "factors" I think that race should definitely be weighted the highest in terms of relative importance and effect the decision accordingly.  By considering race, the jury should also be considering the state of the law (i.e. three stricks, mandatory drug sentencing, the 1:100 ratio of cocaine vs. crack in sentencing, etc) and whether that law is unlawfully or discriminatorially aimed at unjustly caging and imprisoning blacks.