3215rfs@hogpd.UUCP (R.SOYACK) (08/15/84)
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