Redefining "Jury Tampering"?

12-4-2011 • Free Patriot Press

What does a man who attempted to pay a juror $2,500 for a “not guilty” verdict have in common with a 79 retired college professor who handed out information on jury nullification to people entering a court house? This is not a trick question, both men have been charged with “jury tampering.” Julian Heicklen was indicted of jury tampering last year and now faces federal charges. Heicklen, a 79-year-old retired chemistry professor, has often stood outside various courthouses holding a “Jury Info” sign and handing out brochures that inform jurors of their rights. During his indictment, Heicklen insisted that he never tries to influence specific jurors or cases, and instead gives his brochures to passers-by, hoping that jurors are among them. Prosecutors allege that Heicklen was targeting prospective jurors and cite a recorded conversation in which he told an undercover agent posing as a passer-by, “I’m not telling you to find anybody not guilty, but, if there is a law you think is wron