jury nullification
jury nullification. A jury’s knowing and deliberate rejection of the evidence or refusal to apply the law either because the jury wants to send a message about some social issue that is larger than the case itself or because the result dictated by law is contrary to the jury’s sense of justice, morality, or fairness. [Cases: Criminal Law 731; Trial 128, 304. C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 1273–1275; Trial §§ 296, 775–784, 786–789.]