The Grand Jury: An Institution under Fire

Duration: 35

Year Published: 1977

Creator: Pacific Street Films

Format: 16mm

Color: Color

Sound: sound

Description: Surveys the nature and function of the United States grand jury system and traces its historical development, emphasizing its vulnerability to political abuse, from 17th century England to the present. Explores the relationship of the grand jury to the rest of the criminal justice system by following a New Hampshire criminal case from arrest through indictment. Demonstrates how the investigative powers of the grand jury can be used to gather information on political dissidents, union organizers, minority groups, and others. Recommends the imposition of Constitutional trial controls and the appointment of an independent person to counsel the grand jury to prevent prosecutors from abusing subpoena and indictment powers., Discusses the history of the grand jury system for handing down indictments. Interviews with lawyers, former defendants, and others focus on the abuses and the good points of the grand jury process. Follows a case from arrest through indictment utilizing a sitting grand jury. Demonstrates how the investigatory powers of the grand jury can be used for gathering information on political dissidents, union organizers, and minority groups.

Complete Record: Surveys the nature and function of the United States grand jury system and traces its historical development, emphasizing its vulnerability to political abuse, from 17th century England to the present. Explores the relationship of the grand jury to the rest of the criminal justice system by following a New Hampshire criminal case from arrest through indictment. Demonstrates how the investigative powers of the grand jury can be used to gather information on political dissidents, union organizers, minority groups, and others. Recommends the imposition of Constitutional trial controls and the appointment of an independent person to counsel the grand jury to prevent prosecutors from abusing subpoena and indictment powers., Discusses the history of the grand jury system for handing down indictments. Interviews with lawyers, former defendants, and others focus on the abuses and the good points of the grand jury process. Follows a case from arrest through indictment utilizing a sitting grand jury. Demonstrates how the investigatory powers of the grand jury can be used for gathering information on political dissidents, union organizers, and minority groups. NOTE: Two (or more) records have been merged together to create this data.