[Storm Crow]

Potential Montana Jurors Stage ‘Mutiny’ in Pot Case

By Associated Press , 12-19-10
MISSOULA – Potential jurors staged a "mutiny" during a felony drug case, a Missoula County prosecutor says, and authorities worry the result will be viewed as a game-changer when it comes to future attempts at prosecuting drug cases in Montana.

Nearly all 27 Missoula County residents during the jury selection process on Thursday told District Court Judge Dusty Deschamps there was no way they would convict anybody of having a couple of buds of marijuana.

"I thought, 'Geez, I don't know if we can seat a jury,'" said Deschamps, who called a recess.

The case involved Touray Cornell, whose criminal history includes numerous felony convictions and in his latest case faced a felony charge of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs.

That charge stemmed from an April 23 search of his home following complaints from neighbors he was selling drugs. Police said they found burnt marijuana cigarettes, a pipe and some residue.

An affidavit said Cornell admitted to distributing small amounts of marijuana and connecting other dealers with customers, getting small amounts of marijuana for himself as payment.

At the time of his arrest Cornell was out on bail on a charge of felony conspiracy to commit theft, of which he was convicted in August.

During the recess called by Deschamps on Thursday, Deputy Missoula County Attorney Andrew Paul worked out a plea agreement with the defense.

"A mutiny," Paul told the Missoulian in describing the actions of the potential jurors.

"Bizarre," said Cornell's defense attorney, Martin Elison.

(snipped)


https://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articl...ot_case/21094/

He ended up taking a deal which got him 1 year in jail with 200 days of credit for time served. Jury nullification is a good thing!

POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

Finally, a jury of our "peers".

[Sam the Caveman]

I don't get it, why did he take a plea deal knowing that the jury would not convict?

If the trial ended with the jury entering their "not guilty" judgement, then why did he have to take a plea deal, he should have been free to go.

Ok, just read that they conned him into an Alford plea, which means he admitted that there was factual evidence of criminal conduct.

If only he would have kept his mouth shut, he wouldn't have had to serve any time at all.

[VIKINGtrich]

Yeah sounds to me his lawyer was a real dick head..... and he got a year suspended sentence for that? BOO! Really cool the citizens stood up for pot.... I like that part of the story...

[Sam the Caveman]

not quite Vikingtrich, he got sentenced to 30 years with 29 suspended and one to serve. they did apply the 200 days already served towards his 1 year, how nice of them.

[trichrider]

shows you how bright career criminals really are...but really, this guy was dense.

[keyplay]

yeah, the felony conspiracy ....theft charge definitely indicates higher intelligence. But WTF! you think they may have had it out for the guy?

30 years????? thats RED

[toastfighter2]

Where is this place, because I for one do not want to go there-I walk around everyday with more than what he got caught with just in my pockets.

[BagseedSamurai]

FUCK YEAH.

[David762]

Originally Posted by Storm Crow

Potential Montana Jurors Stage ‘Mutiny’ in Pot Case

By Associated Press , 12-19-10
MISSOULA – Potential jurors staged a "mutiny" during a felony drug case, a Missoula County prosecutor says, and authorities worry the result will be viewed as a game-changer when it comes to future attempts at prosecuting drug cases in Montana.

Nearly all 27 Missoula County residents during the jury selection process on Thursday told District Court Judge Dusty Deschamps there was no way they would convict anybody of having a couple of buds of marijuana.

"I thought, 'Geez, I don't know if we can seat a jury,'" said Deschamps, who called a recess.

The case involved Touray Cornell, whose criminal history includes numerous felony convictions and in his latest case faced a felony charge of criminal distribution of dangerous drugs.

He ended up taking a deal which got him 1 year in jail with 200 days of credit for time served. Jury nullification is a good thing!

POWER TO THE PEOPLE!

Until collectively our voices are heard at the ballot box, jury nullification is the only viable way to fight the draconian police state laws used to persecute non-violent victimless drug crimes. Our politicians (most of them, anyway) have been bought off by the fascistic crony corporations that actually run this country.

I personally vow that if I'm ever put on a jury for such a crime, I will always vote to dismiss the charges. And if I somehow find myself in such a position as a defendant, to always seek a jury trial.