Jurisimprudence
When something wicked is happening on a societal level, it's fairly uncontroversial to expect our institutions to at least try to shut it down posthaste. So, can anyone explain why organizations dedicated to fostering jury nullification are still being allowed to schedule training sessions nine months after multiple news outlets exposed their diabolical plan?
Dire Voir Dire
The Washington Post first aired this dirty laundry during the last few days of 2025... albeit as an introductory detail in an otherwise ardent spin job for the group responsible, Free DC. Soon after, numerous right-leaning websites jumped at the opportunity to showcase the clearly sordid situation that Post employees treated apathetically.
One paper, The Washington Examiner, has cranked out three matter-specific articles to date. Their most recent piece, which was published near the end of last month, best encapsulates the current state of affairs. In it, they focus on an 8/12/26 teach-in event cooked up by Free DC and a kindred entity with overlapping leadership. According to Examiner journalists, the lecturer at this session hammered home the idea that subverting the legal system required those in attendance to "nullify that goddamn jury" if they so desired. This was no mere slip on the tongue; a preceding version of this seminar (utilizing matching promotional material) touted goals of "influenc(ing) outcomes and help(ing) create a more equitable legal process." *
If cornered, Free DC representatives would claim their animus isn't illegal as long as it doesn't target unique circumstances. ** Additionally, they'd almost certainly say their efforts are primarily limited to instances involving Trump administration oversteps. The enterprise's cofounder unequivocally framed it that way in the December meeting covered by the Post.
This focus on "politically sensitive cases" was and is crystalized by the press despite everyone knowing full well that the ultra-progressive movement has frequently asserted the need to put their thumbs on the scale for marginalized identities.
[Depending on how that term is defined, 70+% of the population technically could qualify.]
Beguiling Benefactors
You might be wondering how a supposed grassroots endeavor has the resources to pull this off. The answer is simple: Free DC is classified as a "fiscally sponsored special project" of two 501(c) advocacy behemoths. In other words, a pair of Community Change parent nonprofits have a ton of sway regarding how 'free' the nation's capital will be.
These purse string holders have also bankrolled Freedom Trainers, the voices at the front of many of the Juror Information Project sessions in question. Watching these 'educators' preach about "the people's pardon" reveals how far they'll go in service of their mission. As an example, they practically encourage their minions to risk arrest by handing out fliers near courthouses! ***
Knowing all of this, it'd be hard to argue that jury nullification is some sort of aberrant angle. Once again, our judiciary is being steadily dismantled from the inside by revolutionary activists.
Judicial Appeal
Where is the DOJ on this? We know they know. Don't forget, it was their own paralegal who skated scot-free after hitting a federal agent with a turkey sandwich. On the macroscale, US Attorney Pirro has alluded to DC jurors "refus(ing) to deliberate in order to upset the verdict."
Couldn't Pirro and her peers mitigate this nonsense by initiating charges against those pushing nullification rhetoric? **** At bare minimum, it might deter individuals like the councilman accused of a "blatant attempt to tamper with the jury pool" and confederated polemicists.
This country was designed around impartial courtrooms. That doesn't mean jurors can't buck their fellow panelists to take principled stands, as we witnessed weeks ago in Plymouth, MA. ***** Provided it's organic -- even when the crime is heinous -- it must be allowed.
But the moment partisan preplanning enters the picture... it kinda feels like that should be an automatic disqualifier worthy of punishment, wouldn't you say?
Note: this post may contain commentary reflecting the author's opinion.
This site does not render legal advice, nor does it intend to replace legal advice.
* The Washington Examiner made this language the centerpiece of its original foray into the subject on 1/1/26.
** According to the Article III Project, nullification campaigns are tantamount to "an effort to rig outcomes before a trial even begins."
*** For those keeping track at home, that ties all three active cofounders to side projects connected to other kissing cousin outfits. {Chatterjee with Freedom Trainers, Dodds with Free DC predecessor Hands Off DC, & Taylor with the juror session cosponsor, HWD.}
**** Given jury pool stats in this jurisdiction, the USADC might need to get creative with partners, filings, and venues.
***** Isn't it interesting how reporters will come with pitchforks for "arrogant" jurors who hold out for reasons the media mob resents? They'll stoop to ignoring a judge's seal by partially doxxing the person in their scopes.
Author's caveat: I could not believe my eyes while initially gazing at the August jury education seminar webpage. For about 250 hours, I was under the misguided assumption that I'd be breaking this story myself. I told a friend as much at a Foo Fighters concert in mid-August. About a week later, I spotted the Examiner update and began further research. Once I learned how extensive the coverage on this topic was, my focus shifted from pure exposé to the solutions-oriented column above. Unfortunately, that forced me to leave one key theme on the cutting room floor. Namely, my strong belief that Free DC is positioning itself as the ultimate shot caller across a variety of issues in DC. Their brochures reference prioritizing joy; in reality, they're boycotting businesses, endorsing candidates, and standing up other coalitions. {Reminder: Free DC is a project. Can a tentacle form its own tentacles?} Do DC Democrats truly not realize the pain DSA-adjacent splinters can cause when allowed to fester within the overall body? These avowed non-cooperators will slap the regime toady or autocrat labels on relatives who don't 100% echo their messaging... imagine what they will do to moderate liberal strangers!
