Dum Dum

At the end of October I'm going to be serving on a Grand Jury.  Since my only "insight" to the process is from watching Law & Order episodes I decided I should edumacate myself. 

The American Bar Association has a FAQ article about Grand Juries which is interesting and somewhat surprising.  Here are some highlights:

• The primary function of the modern grand jury is to review the evidence presented by the prosecutor and determine whether there is probably cause to return an indictment.
• Since the role of the grand jury is only to determine probable cause, there is no need for the jury to hear all the evidence, or even conflicting evidence. It is left to the good faith of the prosecutor to present conflicting evidence.
• The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution requires a grand jury indictment for federal criminal charges. Only about half the states now use grand juries.
• Unlike regular jury service, grand jurors are not screened for biases or other improper factors.
• A grand jury witness can talk about their testimony but a grand juror is sworn to secrecy.
• A witness cannot have his/her attorney present but can leave the room to consult with them if needed.
• There is no judge present during grand jury proceedings.  The prosecutor seems to call all the shots.

I have to admit that I'm looking forward to the whole thing.  Should be interesting to say the least.  Plus, it'll be 6 weeks out of my life that I don't have to spend in an office park in Woonsocket, RI.