Libertarian rights activist charged with jury tampering

"On January 11, 2011," veteran libertarian rights activist Julian Heicklen announced to his Tyranny Fighters email list, "I was notified by summons that I have been criminally charged with jury tampering."

Many might be distressed by such news, but not Heicklen. "The moment of truth has arrived," Heicklen said. "The dance begins."
Heicklen explained his position in an exclusive email interview with the Libertarian News Examiner on Saturday.

"In essence, I want to discuss the jury's right to nullify the law IN FRONT OF A JURY." (The emphasis is Heicklen's). "My position is that neither jury nullification is or that I am on trial. My position is that the judiciary is on trial. Jury nullification needs no defense. It is the law of the land."

The summons, while short on particulars, appears to be charging him with telling potential jurors the truth about jury nullification whenever he distributes Fully Informed Jury Association literature in front of courthouses, as he has done for the past 18 months at 27 federal and county courthouses in 20 different states.

However, Heicklen told the Libertarian News Examiner that the summons gave no reason for the charges. "The offense is briefly described as 'Jury Tampering,'" Heicklen said. "There is no mention of FIJA materials, a US Courthouse, or prospective jurors. The indictment papers are not included."

Heicklen's announcement that he plans to represent himself as counsel pro se elicited a barrage of email responses from his supporters at Tyranny Fighters, which is not a formal organization but a loose association of independent freedom activists.

A person with "experience challenging grand jury procedures" has offered his services. Another has offered help as a legal researcher. Still another volunteered to assist with "briefs or memorandums in support of your position."

Iloilo Jones, Executive Director of the Fully Informed Jury Association told the Libertarian News Examiner on Friday, "FIJA hopes to be participating in this case to the extent Julian would like help from our organization."

Other supporters, however, have adamantly disagreed with Heicklen's intention to represent himself, insisting, "You cannot beat a rigged deck. That's why you hire attorneys" and calling it "a losing proposition."

That discussion continues to rage as Heicklen prepares for his day in court "on January 24, 2011 at 10:00 am in courtroom #15B."

Original report here




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