[samloveshummus]

The Bristol Four acquittal was not an act of jury nullification.

Under the Criminal Damage Act 1971, no offense is committed if there is a "lawful excuse" for the damage.

The defence argued that there was a lawful excuse on several grounds:

1. The defendants believed they were preventing a more serious crime (public indecency because of the statue's offensiveness).

2. The defendants believed the statue was owned by the citizens of Bristol (as stated on its plaque), who they believe consented to its removal.

3. Their right to freedom of expression and assembly under the European Convention on Human Rights.

The judge instructed the jury that they were allowed to consider questions such as the statue's offensiveness in deciding whether these excuses applied.