The grand jury system is a tragic fraud. If an indictment is handed down, the public will believe there is traction to the allegations, regardless of whether the allegation has any merit whatsoever.
A DA with an agenda gets to present an ex parte sermon to grand jurors, who, not surprisingly, return indictments in the vast majority of cases where the DA doesn't wash them out.
Once you're on the DA's radar, he holds almost all the cards...
it is indeed becoming an abusive part of the justice system - mot intrinsically, but because of the unchecked conduct of district attorneys. for the GJ system to be fair, DAs must also be fair. that is breaking everywhere in this country, and as such, the GJ system is melting down.
Agreed. The grand jury system is a huge flaw in our legal system. While I don't advocate turning the grand jury into a full fledged trial, the defense should be afford a retort to the charges.
It wasn't supposed to be, but it is true. There is little to hinder a malicious DA from using a grand jury for his own personal ends. Almost no ordinary citizens are aware of this potential misuse of the system.