Several Perry Grand Jurors Broke the Law to Explain Why They Think Perry Broke the Law

Pajamas Media ^ | 08/20/2014 | Bryan Preston

[SeekAndFind]

By Texas law, grand jurors are not supposed to talk to the media about their cases.

That did not stop several of the Gov. Perry grand jurors from breaking the law, specifically, talking to the Houston Chronicle.

The jury, which met weekly for four months, “really tried to keep an open mind and come to a fair decision given all the testimony that we heard,” said Janna Bessin, one of the 12 Travis residents appointed to serve on the grand jury.

“It’s too bad,” Bessin said, calling the criticism unfair. “But I guess that his side’s job – to really spin it.”

The grand juror here evidently doesn’t understand that they have only seen the prosecutor’s side of the story. The prosecutor didn’t even have Perry testify to the grand jury. That’s not all that unusual, but the fact remains, they only saw the prosecution’s case, not the defense.

One, who asked not to be named, said he expects the public perception to change once full scope of the prosecutor’s case becomes public.

“I think if and when the facts come out, that’ll change,” the juror said.

All six jury members reached by the Chronicle said they were told it would be illegal for them to discuss the grand jury proceedings. The willingness of some to discuss their thoughts in general terms may indicate frustration with Perry’s defense.

Rho Chalmers, who name matches that of a grand juror but would only confirm her service on a jury that ended last week, said grand juries involve careful consideration of facts.

“For me, it’s not a political decision,” Chalmers said. “That’s what a grand jury is about – take the emotion out of it, look at facts and make your best decision based on your life experience.”

How many “Rho Chalmers” are there out there?

[Let's Roll]

So proven law breakers have judged an alleged law breaker. Only in a dim machine county.

[inpajamas]

Yep.

[smokingfrog]

The grand jury was called only to consider the Perry matter.

Travis County grand juries are typically are selected through a system in which judges appoint representatives to hand pick grand jurors, but the Perry grand jury was chosen from a pool of randomly selected Travis County residents.