The Grand Jury-Its Use and Misuse

Abstract

Although the grand jury is an important component of the court system, the general public has little knowledge of its origin, its function, and its mode of operation. This study argues in favor of reforming it.

A brief account of its history is followed by a description of make-up, function, and proceedings. Cases are then related to show how the grand jury has been used politically during the last decade, pointing out how the inherent weaknesses of the present grand jury system have permitted it to be misused in various ways. Finally, the study marshals various informed suggestions for reform and stresses the urgency of reform to return the grand jury to its rightful role: investigator of sus pected crime and protector of individual liberty.