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Rhode Island House Bill H7221
Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session
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Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

Rhode Island House Bill H7221

Introduced
1/26/22  

Caption

Joint Resolution To Approve And Publish And Submit To The Electors A Proposition Of Amendment To The Constitution -- Jury Nullification As Proper Trial Defense Argument (this Joint Resolution Would Propose To The Voters A Constitutional Amendment Which Would Allow A Criminal Defendant To Argue Jury Nullification As A Defense.)

Impact

The potential impact of HB 7221 on state law is profound, as it would fundamentally alter the dynamics of criminal trials by enhancing the role of jurors in questioning the laws as applied to specific cases. This amendment could make it more difficult for prosecutors to secure convictions under laws that jurors may find unjust. By creating a legal precedent for considering morality in legal judgment, it challenges existing norms in criminal justice and could lead to variances in verdicts based on juror perceptions of the law, rather than strictly the facts of a case.

Summary

House Bill 7221 proposes a significant amendment to the Rhode Island Constitution regarding the concept of jury nullification. This joint resolution aims to grant criminal defendants the explicit right to present jury nullification as a defense during trials. The essence of jury nullification lies in the jury's power to decide not only on the facts of the case but also on the applicability and fairness of the law under which the defendant is charged. Should this amendment pass, it would empower jurors to consider the moral implications of the laws in question, including their constitutionality and fairness to the individual defendant and society.

Conclusion

Consideration of HB 7221 reflects a broader discourse on the rights of individuals within the legal system and the role of juries. If passed, this amendment would mark a significant moment in Rhode Island's legal history, inviting further discussions on the balance between legal statutes and personal moral judgments in the courtroom.

Contention

However, the bill also brings forth notable points of contention among lawmakers and legal experts. Proponents argue that it provides necessary checks on governmental authority and could serve as a tool for social justice, allowing juries to express moral disapproval of certain laws. Critics, on the other hand, express concerns that the acceptance of jury nullification could lead to unpredictable and subjective verdicts, potentially undermining the rule of law, and creating inconsistency in how laws are enforced across the state. These divergent views highlight the balancing act between ensuring justice and maintaining legal order.

Latest RI H7221 Activity

View All Events: RI 2022 Regular Session H7221

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

RI H5386

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- JURY NULLIFICATION AS PROPER TRIAL DEFENSE ARGUMENT (This joint resolution would propose to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.)

RI H7386

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- JURY NULLIFICATION AS PROPER TRIAL DEFENSE ARGUMENT (Proposes to the voters a constitutional amendment which would allow a criminal defendant to argue jury nullification as a defense.)

RI H5515

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI S0820

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Would propose to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI H7303

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Proposes to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI S2132

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF SUFFRAGE (Proposes to the voters of the state a constitutional amendment regarding eligibility to vote and to be a candidate.)

RI S3021

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)

RI S0725

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- OF THE LEGISLATIVE POWER (Proposes a state constitutional amendment that no department or other entity created by the state would have poser to incur debt in excess of $ 50,000, without express approval from the legislature and voters.)

RI H5732

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION – GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

RI S0327

JOINT RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AND PUBLISH AND SUBMIT TO THE ELECTORS A PROPOSITION OF AMENDMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION -- GREEN AMENDMENT (Proposes a constitutional amendment to Article 1 providing for a right to clean air, soil, climate, and the environment’s natural values.)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.