When you receive a jury summons, whether it’s for federal or state court, the basic rules are similar. You may be selected for either a grand jury or a petit jury. A grand jury typically consists of at least 23 members and some alternates. Unlike a trial jury, they hear multiple cases but don’t determine guilt or innocence. Their role is to decide if there’s enough evidence (probable cause) to require a defendant to stand trial. Grand jury proceedings are always held in secrecy. A prosecutor leads the grand jury, guiding them through the process and ultimately telling the jury what they want in terms of an indictment. The foreman of the jury signs the indictment if the jury agrees.    The grand jury need not be unanimous in returning their verdicts.   You’ll never see a defense attorney in a grand jury room because they’re not allowed. Defendants are usually invited to testify, though defense lawyers nearly always advise against it. On rare occasions, a defendant may...

Most Americans believe they understand Reasonable Doubt when it comes to Jury Duty. I will begin challenging that notion by simply asking you to define it. Let me say that lawyers and judges can’t really define it and rely on the writings of others to explain the concept. Let me also begin by saying in a criminal case, pertinent facts like the backgrounds or history of deception of government witnesses is often hidden from a jury. This is especially true where special Victim’s Rights laws were enacted at the behest of over-zealous prosecutors. Too many judges, rule in prejudicial evidence or rule out exculpatory evidence with ease. Juries too often never get to learn about important facts. Any judge can simply put their thumb on the scale of justice with certain rulings. They get away with this because it’s considered judicial discretion. The vast majority of those rulings are made away from the inquiring minds of the jury. Far too often this is Judicial Tyranny. Judges are su...