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New York Supreme Court Justice Kent (1803): "The true criterion of a legal power is its capacity to produce a definitive effect, liable neither to censure nor review. And the verdict of not guilty in a criminal case, is, in every respect, absolutely final. The jury are not liable to punishment, nor the verdict to control. No attaint lies, nor can a new trial be awarded. The exercise of this power in the jury has been sanctioned, and upheld in constant activity, from the earliest ages." 3 Johns Cas. 366-368. Quoted in Sparf and Hansen v. U.S., 156 U.S.51,148-149. (1894) (Gray, Shiras, JJ, dissenting).
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