During a Zoom meeting held Thursday evening, Judge Padden explained that our legal system has several types of juries. A grand jury consists of 9 members. The job of grand jury members is to examine the evidence and decide if the prosecutor has enough evidence to bring felony charges against a person alleged to have committed a crime.
Grand juries only deal with felonies. This type of crime includes murder, rape, sexual assaults, drug offenses, robbery, larceny, and arson. Grand jury members do not decide if the person is innocent or guilty. That is the job of the people serving in the trial jury.
The 9 grand jurors meet in session with the prosecuting attorney, court reporter, and witnesses. The prosecutor questions the witnesses then the grand jury members have the opportunity to ask questions. Everyone but the jurors leave the session. The jurors vote. At least 7 of the 9 must vote to indict for a case to go forward. Grand jurors may see 6 to 20 potential cases during one day.
Judge Padden pointed out that grand jurors take an oath of secrecy. He stated, “… that this group is one of the few bodies of government that meets in secret.” There are several good reasons for the oath. One is to prevent the suspect’s reputation from being ruined in case the grand jury decides there is not enough evidence for an indictment. A second reason is that the secrecy may keep a suspect from fleeing in an attempt to avoid charges. And finally, the privacy observed during a grand jury session, encourages witnesses to testify.
When at least 7 of the 9 grand jurors vote that there is enough evidence to indict, the job of the grand jury members is done. They are no longer involved in the case. But the legal process set in motion by the grand jury continues as the person accused is informed of the charges, appears at an arraignment, is appointed or hires a lawyer, and submits a plea.
Judge Padden indicated that COVID-19 is not halting the legal process. The court is making adjustments in order to continue its activities. The grand jury sessions are being held in the large courtroom which has been rearranged to ensure the grand jurors can remain 6 feet apart. Temperatures are being taken as people enter the courthouse and sanitation procedures have been beefed up.
Connect with #ByesvilleRotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com , Twitter Byesville_Club, or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting. #6690
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