Jury nullification: The elephant in the room
There's an elephant in every courtroom. Prosecutors and judges won't show it to jurors, and even Virginia defense lawyers seem forbidden from mentioning this fact: If you think a law is unjust, you can acquit. This week's cover package • Not guilty: Jury acquits in two pot-plant case..
July 26th, 2012 issue #1130
Controversial constitutionalist: 30 years of defending the people
In the corner is a cardboard stand-up of James Dean– and another of the Beatles in a phone booth. Toy skeletons are all over the place, as well as artwork that hints of a disturbing vision.
Intimidating? Copter may have encircled Cobbs pre-trial
Last fall, Philip Cobbs expressed terror after an assault weapon-carrying team of about 10 officers raided his southeastern Albemarle farm after a helicopter crew claimed to spot two marijuana plants from 500 feet. On the day before Cobbs went to court to fight the resulting possession charge, a helicopter again circled over his yard, an action he considers harassment.
Not guilty: Jury acquits in two pot-plant case
In a case closely watched by civil liberties groups and law enforcement, Philip Cobbs was found not guilty of possession of marijuana in a day-long jury trial.
News
Celebrating Sidney: Blue Moon packed for Tapscott memorial
On a muggy Sunday night, friends of the late Sidney Tapscott gathered at his second home– the Blue Moon Diner– to celebrate the local legend’s life and say go...
Music mayhem: Should live acts play on Market Street?
Two weeks after the city shut down the Black Market Moto Saloon for hosting live music without a special use permit, the doors are open for dinner, and owner Matteus Franko...
Posthumous pieces: Music offers healing after son's death
A posthumous album by a prodigious local guitarist debuted July 6 at the Crozet Baptist Church thanks to a chance discovery and some help from local musicians. The jam band...
Vigil for Tinsley: Friends, family gather to remember shooting victim
Friends and family of shooting victim Pherbia "Faye" Tinsley gathered in Forest Hills Park on Friday, July 20, at sundown for a candlelight vigil to remember the 51-year-ol...
RIP Sidney: Tapscott remembered as colorful, musical citizen
Sidney Tapscott, a man known and loved by thousands of Charlottesvillians, died Tuesday, July 17 at the age of 89. For decades, Tapscott was a ubiquitous presence around do...
The Dish
More coffee: And more hand-tamping at Milli Joe
When you walk into Milli Joe, a new caffeinery at the foot of Vinegar Hill, you know you’re among coffee people. Glass doors open up into a wide-open shop with a dark moc...
Route 29 exits: Calypso, Olivaté close shop
July saw the closing of two restaurants on 29 North, including one that opened less than four months ago.
Essays
The story: Why I'm still going to movie theaters
“Oh, boy– you are in for a show tonight, son!” –older cop from The Dark Knight Rises Also by this author: • a cover story about the renovated Jeff...
Real Estate - On the Block
Actively passive: Melding green living with a stylish design
Letters
With the Commonwealth contributing seven percent of the University's budget, why is any governor making any appointments to the Board of Visitors? ["Bob's mess: 'Please sto...
Derecho coverage left big gaps
The worst thing about an emergency situation like the derecho is the lack of information.If you go on the Dominion web site, you seem to find plenty of it — news releases...
