From: [l p hq] at [access2.digex.net] (Libertarian Party Headquarters) Newsgroups: talk.politics.libertarian,talk.politics.drugs,talk.politics.misc Subject: LP Information Update: Libertarian Nancy Lord wins MJ Case Date: 22 Nov 1995 00:07:07 -0500 --------------------------------------- INFORMATION UPDATE FROM THE LIBERTARIAN PARTY --------------------------------------- 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Suite 100 Washington DC 20037 (202) 333-0008 For Information: (800) 682-1988 --------------------------------------- Nancy Lord Wins Important "War on Drugs" Case [September 1995] -- Libertarian attorney Nancy Lord achieved a major victory against the "War on Drugs" last month, winning the acquittal of three men of felony charges of illegally cultivating marijuana. In a closely watched court case in Madera, California, Lord successfully defended the men by appealing to the jury's "sense of justice and conscience." The case involved three defendants, arrested by a Sheriff's Deputy after planting sterile cannabis seeds as a protest against laws prohibiting the cultivation of industrial hemp. "Their actions were clearly a protest, and acknowledged by all involved as such," said Lord. Lord said she faced a hostile judge during the trial -- but "the tactics of the court backfired on the judge and prosecutor." Lord explained, "I tried to introduce background information as to the basis of the protest: That hemp is a viable, environmentally friendly agricultural product, cultivated around the world for industrial uses, and that the Drug Enforcement Agency's attitude towards industrial hemp is irrational. But the judge refused to allow any information into the trial about the industrial uses and advantages of hemp. All rulings supported the prosecution." Despite this, "The jury rose to the occasion," said Lord. "The jury, apparently sensing that they were not getting all the information, was clearly insulted by the high-handed attitude of the Judge and prosecutor, and moved to acquit the three dependents." The victory -- which saved the defendants from a three-year term and a $10,000 fine -- proved that "Liberty and justice can happen one jury at a time," said Lord. Lord, the 1992 Libertarian Party vice presidential candidate for vice president, has won a number of important court cases against the DEA and the Federal Drug Administration. # # # -- The Libertarian Party America's third largest political party 2600 Virginia Ave NW Suite 100 (202) 333-0008 [L P HQ] at [digex.net] Washington DC 20037 http://www.lp.org/lp/ ***Send email or call 1-800-682-1776 for free information package by mail***