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Published byJodie Marianna Phelps Modified over 9 years ago
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“Le Grande Inquest” The History and Laws of the Grand Jury System Don Barbee Jr., Esq. Clerk of Circuit Court & Comptroller Hernando County, Fl
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Origins of the Grand Jury 12 Men from every 100 Secret Accusations Prevent Escape Loyal to Monarch Fines and penalties King Henry II
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Making it “Grand” 12 man – Accusatory Jury Becomes 23 Knights – “Le Grande Inquest” Move toward independence Focus on Fairness Shifting Loyalties King Edward III
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Grand Juries in America “Assistants” – Legislate, Charge, Convict 1645 - 1 st Grand Jury – Charged Assistants – Growing Role 5 th Amendment - Capital Crimes
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Powers of the Grand Jury Indictment Presentment Use of indictments in Florida
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Impanelment When? – No more “terms of court” 1/1/14 – See 905.01 How many summoned? – Admin order/past practice, Hern. = 150 (too many?) How many do we need? – 21 members max, 15 members min (quorum) – 12 votes required for indictment or presentment Disqualification?
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The Big Day Who is present during impanelment? – Presiding Judge – State Attorney – Deputy Clerk – Live Court Reporter Electronic Court Reporter – off? – Public??? Pre-qualification (judge or clerk) Voir Dire Process – Cause Only
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The Session Administrative Session Foreperson/Vice – Appointed by Judge – Recommendation of ASA “Clerk” appointed by Foreperson – No COC staff present in session
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The Documents List of Grand Jurors – Confidential (313 So.2d 39) – Identity included in secrecy provisions – AGO Informal 1995 Notes (jurors & court reporters) Transcripts Testimony – Confidential (F.S. 905.17)
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More Records Issues Indictment – pre-arrest = confidential – post-arrest = public ( no redaction of foreperson – AGO 99-09 ) Grand Jury Reports – Motion to Repress List of Witnesses – Statutorily required from foreperson
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