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From: 3215rfs@hogpd.UUCP (R.SOYACK)
Newsgroups: net.legal
Subject: Grand Jury
Message-ID: <377@hogpd.UUCP>
Date: Wed, 15-Aug-84 09:58:29 EDT
Article-I.D.: hogpd.377
Posted: Wed Aug 15 09:58:29 1984
Date-Received: Thu, 16-Aug-84 01:28:48 EDT
References: amd.194
Lines: 29


Grand juries perform in almost the way presented in a previous article.

True, only the state is represented by a lawyer (technically incorrect term
in this context), but the grand jurors are free to ask questions, request
additional documentation, and/or additional witnesses.

True, the Grand Jury does not decide guilt or innocence it brings indictments
in serious crimes (felonies) based on evidence that indicates a reasonable
likelihood that the crime was committed as presented by the state.

True, subpoenas to appear as a witness before a Grand Jury are a matter of
public record but neither the state nor a member of the Grand Jury is permitted
to discuss the testimony given before the Grand Jury outside of the Grand Jury
chamber.  (For nit-pickers--and inside the chamber if the Grand Jury is not in session)

Targets for indictment before a Grand Jury are rarely questioned before
a Grand Jury.

Anyone being questioned before a Grand Jury may, at any time, leave
the Grand Jury chamber to consult with their attorney.

The Grand Jury system was instituted as a check against wrongful prosecution
by the state.

By the way, the U. S. Constitution says that anyone accussed of a serious
crime must first be indicted by a Grand Jury.

					Rich Soyack