Exploring the Grand Jury - Part 4 of 4

Suggested Prior Readings:

Exploring the Grand Jury - Part I: Is This Justice?
Exploring the Grand Jury - Part II: Results of Secrecy
Exploring the Grand Jury - Part III: A True Story

I've had quite the inner struggle about how to approach this final article detailing the process of the Grand Jury and the part it plays in the legal system. The things I learn while conducting research for the articles I write are normally considered a benefit of the job. What I've learned about the Grand Jury has not only surprised me, but it's also scared me, and in some ways I've even been sickened by what I've found.

As a system of law that began nearly a thousand years ago, the grand jury concept was originally founded on good intentions. And in most ways, the powers of the Grand Jury are still being used prudently today. Unfortunately, because of some of the traditional protocol that dates back nearly a millennium, what once was regaled as "one of the greatest bulwarks of the liberty of the subject; instituted for the very purpose of preventing mischief being done by false accusers," has become an instrument of injustice when not properly utilized.

In part two of this series, the subject of secrecy as it applies to grand jury proceedings was discussed. Everything that takes place leading up to the findings of the grand jury is veiled in a thick blanket of secrecy. Furthermore, that secrecy is mandatory and a breech by anyone involved with the proceedings could result in felony charges. Not only does the Grand Jury not have to answer to anyone for their decisions, but they are forbidden by law to do so!