By Journalist Stephanie Landaverde (OSU)
Representative Thomason presented Bill TU-503 on the morning of November 17th, 2022. The bill aims to inform jurors about their rights regarding jury nullification. The bill was controversial and sparked much debate and conversation.
Derek Odom, a zero star from ECU, was strongly opposed to the bill. Odom was concerned that jurors would take advantage of jury nullification and said that negatives far outweigh the benefits.
“By telling the jury, ‘hey, you can do whatever you want,’ it opens up the door to be like, ‘I’m just not gonna pay attention,” Odom said. “I like the defendant, I don’t like the state. I’ve got whatever excuse.”
Odom believes implementation of this bill would be dangerous because jurors could decide to nullify a case based on feelings instead of the facts of the case.
Mikayla McClary, a zero star from ORU, was in strong support of the bill. Odom says this bill is the beginning towards a more transparent government and justice system.
“The bill is not giving the jury any new rights, it’s just stating ‘jury, you have these rights,’” McClary said. “So, my question is, what would be the reason to not tell the jury? They already have the right, you’re just relying on their ignorance.”
McClary says a lot of jurors don’t have the political background and knowledge of the rules, so this bill educates people in the community of their rights. She says no harm comes from this bill.
“I love it, I’m here for it,” McClary said.
Karlene Stelling, a two star from OSU, said she had a more moderate opinion of the bill.
“Part of me agrees and part of me disagrees,” Stelling said. “I feel like it is something that needs to be talked about.”
Stelling did not think juries should be told they have this right. She disagreed with jury nullification and was concerned that juries would abuse the right.
After extensive caucusing and debate, TU-503 passed the House with 32 votes in the affirmative and 10 votes in the negative.