HB470 (2015) Detail

Relative to jury nullification.


HB 470 - AS INTRODUCED

2015 SESSION

15-0416

09/01

HOUSE BILL 470

AN ACT relative to jury nullification.

SPONSORS: Rep. Hoell, Merr 23

COMMITTEE: Judiciary

ANALYSIS

This bill clarifies a jury’s right to nullify any actions it finds to be unjust and requires the court to allow the defendant or counsel for the defendant to explain the right of jury nullification to the jury.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

15-0416

09/01

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Fifteen

AN ACT relative to jury nullification.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 Right of Accused; Jury Nullification. RSA 519:23-a is repealed and reenacted to read as follows:

519:23-a Right of Accused; Jury Nullification. In all court proceedings the court shall instruct the jury of its inherent right to judge the law as well as the facts and to nullify any and all actions it finds to be unjust. The court shall allow the defendant or counsel for the defendant to explain this right of jury nullification to the jury.

2 Effective Date. This act shall take effect upon its passage.