jury nullification

noun

: the acquitting of a defendant by a jury in disregard of the judge's instructions and contrary to the jury's findings of fact

Examples of jury nullification in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some have raised the possibility of jury nullification – when a jury decides not to convict someone despite strong evidence of guilt. — Faith Karimi, CNN Money, 4 Sep. 2025 But his significant support is prompting concerns of potential jury nullification — when jurors deliver a verdict based on ideology rather than the law. — Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 21 Feb. 2025 Widespread support for Mangione – based on his appearance and coupled with a disdain for corporate executives – is a dangerous precedent to set given its ramifications on jury nullification. — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 Yet David Kwok, director of the Criminal Justice Institute at the University of Houston Law Center, called jury nullification an important concept in justice. — Jim Vertuno, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for jury nullification

Word History

First Known Use

1972, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jury nullification was in 1972

Rhymes for jury nullification

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Browse Nearby Words

juryless
jury nullification
jury-packing
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Cite this Entry

“Jury nullification.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jury%20nullification. Accessed 9 Jul. 2026.

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Legal Definition

jury nullification

noun
: the acquitting of a defendant by a jury in disregard of the judge's instructions and contrary to the jury's findings of fact

Note: Jury nullification is most likely to occur when a jury is sympathetic toward a defendant or regards the law under which the defendant is charged with disfavor. Except for a statutory requirement to the contrary, a jury does not have to be instructed on the possibility of jury nullification.

More from Merriam-Webster on jury nullification

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about jury nullification

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