Introductory Business Law CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is "jury nullification"?

1. When a jury orders a new trial

2. When a jury issues a decision contrary to the law

3. When a jury acquits a criminal defendant even though the evidence suggests guilt

4. When a jury cannot reach a unanimous verdict

The correct answer is: When a jury acquits a criminal defendant even though the evidence suggests guilt

Jury nullification refers to the act of a jury choosing to acquit a criminal defendant even though the evidence presented in the trial suggests guilt. It is often seen as a way for the jury to express their disagreement with a law or its application by the prosecution. Option A is incorrect because ordering a new trial is not related to nullification. Option B is incorrect because a jury's decision to acquit must be based on the law, not contrary to it. Option D is also incorrect because it refers to a hung jury, when jurors cannot reach a unanimous verdict, which is a separate issue from nullification.