tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post2308203688947857064..comments2024-03-28T00:50:16.901-05:00Comments on Life at the Harris County Criminal Justice Center: Return of the "Runaway" Grand JuryMurray Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00662196272138109874noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-2325634102638118672008-02-14T20:30:00.000-06:002008-02-14T20:30:00.000-06:00The purpose of grand jury secrecy is to protect th...The purpose of grand jury secrecy is to protect the accused. If we didn't have it any grand juror could smear any political opponent, someone they don't like, etc. This is a huge pandora's box that shouldn't be opened. For instance, a grand juror could decide to make waves to help his brother who is running for political office and slander a potentially innocent person in the process.hcresidenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12605875021407938354noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-91056675329114120692008-02-14T20:05:00.000-06:002008-02-14T20:05:00.000-06:00I haven't seen it or heard anything about it, but ...I haven't seen it or heard anything about it, but what comes to my mind is a suit for a declaratory judgment along the lines that AHCL talks about.<BR/><BR/>Judicially declaring that they are were not proper grand jurors would free them from secrecy.<BR/><BR/>Oh course, I'm just pulling this out of my back side, but that would be one legal strategy I'd consider if I were representing them.Ron in Houstonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02496306119920809104noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7566778230970156239.post-7664065321828525062008-02-14T16:52:00.000-06:002008-02-14T16:52:00.000-06:00Terry is right. I think a judge would essentially...Terry is right. I think a judge would essentially have to immunize the grand jury, which he couldn't do without the DA, or enjoin the office from prosecuting. Both would be great fodder for mandamus.<BR/>BTW, anybody know where the suit was filed? Oh no, here comes Hoyt!! I guess all of the above would be wrong.<BR/><BR/>I do remember, years ago a GJ didn't want to indict, but wanted to state their findings. I prepared a detailed report and the foreman signed it, but it was sealed in the state's no billed file. I can't even remember what authority I had to do that, maybe...none!jigmeisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01924600460740103836noreply@blogger.com