So many potential jurors in a cannabis case in Missoula County Idaho refused to serve that the trial failed, according to reports.
A man was charged with possessing about 2 grams after neighbours dobbed him in for 'dealing'.
"District Judge Dusty Deschamps took a quick poll as to who might agree. Of the 27 potential jurors before him, maybe five raised their hands. A couple of others had already been excused because of their philosophical objections," says The Missoulian newspaper.
"Is it fair, Deschamps wondered, in such cases to insist upon impaneling a jury of “hardliners” who object to all drug use, including marijuana?
“I think that poses a real challenge in proceeding,” he said. “Are we really seating a jury of their peers if we just leave people on who are militant on the subject?”
Interesting times indeed. Just how long can democracies continue to prosecute something that so much of the population does not agree is a crime?
It would be wonderful to see such healthy scofflaw attitudes burgeoning in Australia. Don't hold your breath.
The charged man was separately convicted on a stealing-related charge. I'm not saying he was a saint. The point is, prohibition is absurd and more people are realising it.
Howdy Michael.
ReplyDeleteI read this too just a few hours ago. Great story!
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year.