Grand Jury Selection

Unlike trial juries, grand juries are convened before charges are formally filed. They review evidence presented only by prosecutors to decide whether there is probable cause to indict. Selection still comes from the master list, but the process is more opaque and lacks voir dire. Defense counsel has no role in the proceedings—raising serious due process concerns.

Key Topics:

  • Secrecy and lack of transparency

  • No voir dire or meaningful vetting

  • Racial disparities in grand jury outcomes

Suggested Resources:

  • NACDL’s positions on grand jury reform

  • Testimony or sample motions challenging grand jury abuse

  • Comparative law chart: States that do/don’t require grand juries for felony indictments

Advocacy Opportunities:

  • Push for grand jury transcript access

  • Demand juror demographic data collection and publication

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