Grand Juries and the Ferguson and Staten Island Cases: A Legal FAQ
By Ken Zimmerman and Damon Hewitt
In a pivotal turn of events, two grand juries recently made decisions in the high-profile cases of Ferguson, Missouri, and Staten Island, New York. These decisions have sparked widespread debate about the role of grand juries in the criminal justice system and the impact they have on communities across the nation.
What is a Grand Jury?
A grand jury is a group of citizens who are sworn to secrecy and tasked with determining whether there is enough evidence to indict a person of a crime. They hear evidence presented by the prosecution and vote to issue an indictment if they believe that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the person committed a crime.
What is the Role of a Grand Jury in the Ferguson and Staten Island Cases?
In the Ferguson case, the grand jury decided not to indict police officer Darren Wilson for the fatal shooting of Michael Brown, an unarmed black teenager. In the Staten Island case, the grand jury also decided not to indict police officer Daniel Pantaleo for the fatal chokehold of Eric Garner, an unarmed black man.
What are the Implications of These Decisions?
The decisions have left many people questioning the fairness and impartiality of the grand jury system. Some argue that the lack of indictments in these cases demonstrates that the system is biased against people of color. Others maintain that the grand juries simply followed the evidence and made the correct decision.
What is the Future of Grand Juries?
The debate over grand juries is likely to continue in the wake of the Ferguson and Staten Island cases. Some believe that the system needs to be reformed to make it more fair and impartial. Others argue that the grand jury system is an important part of the criminal justice system and should be preserved.
Conclusion
The Ferguson and Staten Island cases have highlighted the complex and controversial role of grand juries in the criminal justice system. The decisions have sparked widespread debate and raised important questions about fairness, impartiality, and the future of grand juries in the United States.
تعليقات