Exploring the Grand Jury - Part 1 of 4

I've always been a fan of the NBC Television show Law & Order. As the police bring information and a suspect to the New York City District Attorney's office one can almost count on someone questioning the validity or strength of the evidence provided. Was it obtained legally? Is it damning enough? Will it convince the jury of the suspect's guilt?

At about this point in the dramatic dialogue is when I start to prepare myself for the intensity of the moment that is coming up. With great anticipation, I steel myself to hear the inevitable phrase that brings men who are much larger and meaner than I crashing to their knees, cringing in fear. I'm talking about the moment someone in the DA's office is sure to say, "Let's take it to the Grand Jury!"

Wow! The title itself sounds royal, right up there with God Almighty on the reverence scale! The Grand Jury….

So, what is the Grand Jury and why does the mere mention of it evoke feelings of awe and fear in the average American? MauryNewsNet.com will try to answer those questions for our readers in the next few days and explore how the answers apply to the lives of us and the people around us.

In the first part of this four part series, I'll tell you what the Grand Jury consists of and provide you with a basic knowledge of how it operates. In part two of four, I'll give some of the reasons given to explain the need for secrecy. I'll also share details of my personal experience with a Grand Jury and impressions and observations gained as a result. In part three, I'll share the details of a recent case in Maury County, Tennessee that was presented to the Grand Jury and how the case was dealt with. I'll also explore allegations that have been made suggesting possible misconduct in the matter. Finally, I'll conclude the series with what options are available if one chooses to contest the findings of the Grand Jury.