1794/02/07

       John Jay, Chief Justice of the united States, on the Pennsylvania Circuit, instructs the Jury in Georgia v. Brailsford:

       [Y]ou have nevertheless a right to take upon yourselves to judge of both, and to determine the law as well as the fact in controversy.  On this and on every other occasion, however, we have no doubt you will pay that respect which is due to the opinion of the court: for, as on the one hand, it is presumed, that juries are the best judges of facts, it is, on the other hand, presumable that the court is the best judge of law.  But still both objects are lawfully, within your power of decision.

       [restored 6/21/2026]