AK HB140

Establishes jury power to judge the just application of law in criminal cases, allowing juries to find defendants not guilty or guilty of lesser offenses if they determine the law is unjustly applied.

Grants defendants the right to inform jurors of their power to judge the law's just application and vote according to conscience, with failure to allow this informing constituting grounds for mistrial.

Requires courts to allow defendants to present evidence and testimony relevant to jurors' exercise of this power, with the state permitted to rebut with similar evidence.

Prohibits excusing or disqualifying potential jurors based on their expressed willingness to exercise the jury power granted under this statute.

Applies to juries impaneled on or after the effective date and takes effect immediately.