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Grand Juries: What You Need to Know
The Basics
A grand jury is a group of citizens who are tasked with investigating crimes and determining whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. Grand juries are typically made up of 16 to 23 people, and they are selected randomly from the community. The proceedings of a grand jury are secret, and the jurors are not allowed to discuss the case with anyone outside of the jury room.
How Grand Juries Work in New York
In New York, grand juries are used to investigate a wide range of crimes, including murder, robbery, and drug trafficking. The prosecutor presents evidence to the grand jury, and the jurors vote on whether or not to indict the defendant. If the grand jury votes to indict, the defendant will be arraigned on the charges and the case will proceed to trial.
The Manhattan Hush Money Grand Jury
In 2019, a grand jury in Manhattan was convened to investigate whether Donald Trump violated campaign finance laws by paying hush money to two women who alleged that they had affairs with him. The grand jury voted to indict Trump, and he was charged with two counts of campaign finance violations. Trump has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the case is currently pending in court.
What to Do If You Are Called to Serve on a Grand Jury
If you are called to serve on a grand jury, it is important to take your responsibilities seriously. You will be asked to listen to evidence and to vote on whether or not to indict the defendant. Your decision will have a significant impact on the outcome of the case, so it is important to make your decision based on the facts and the law. ```
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