The jurors were given a set of instructions and the charge did Tom Delay do this. The jurors questioned if it was against the law to do that. The judge refused to answer and made them answer did he do “this”. They responded that yes he did “this”.
It will be up to the appelate court to determine if “this” is really against the law. Most lawyers indicate they don’t think it is a violation of the law, but the jurors were not given the opportunity to determine that. They are given a charge by the judge and their task is to carry out that charge.
I do not think Tom Delay did anything remotely illegal. However, based on the charge that the judge gave the jury, it would be hard for them to have decided any other way. The Jurors asked questions that would have given them an out, and the judge refused to answer.
Hmmmm...That is what I thought you said, in addition, you stated:
"The jurors were denied information by the judge and basically had no choice but to vote guilty".
As I said, ya got some bizarre events happening down there in Texas.
Exactly. Who gets to decide what the questions are to the jury? My experience on a jury resulted in a verdict that seemed destined because of the questions to answer.
Hopefully, the appeals court is less Austin Lib Partisan.