In this episode, we examine grand juries in Rhode Island, institutions that play a powerful role in Rhode Island’s criminal justice system. When cases “go to the grand jury,” what really happens behind closed doors, and how does that influence public trust?

Joined by Professor Shannon Heery of RWU School of Law, we discuss how grand juries work, why they matter, and whether the system is living up to its purpose.

In this episode:

3:00 Why do grand juries exist and what role are they meant to play? 3:11 How federal and state grand juries differ in structure. 8:00 Breaking down the core purpose behind a grand jury. 11:12 What “probable cause” really means in practice. 14:38 The Fifth Amendment and its connection to grand jury proceedings. 15:35 What it’s actually like to serve on a grand jury. 23:15 Why grand juries often become the focus of news coverage. 30:27 The most common criticisms surrounding grand juries. 36:18 Which states rely most heavily on grand juries. 44:26 The biggest misconceptions on how grand juries work.

Resources

Professor Shannon Heery

https://law.rwu.edu/faculty/shannon-heery

What is a grand jury? DOJ

https://www.justice.gov/jm/jm-9-11000-grand-jury

“Understanding the grand jury ruling on Michael Brown's death,” PBS NewsHour

https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/understanding-grand-jury-ruling-michael-browns-death

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The information provided is for general informational purposes only and may not apply to individual situations; listeners are encouraged to consult their own legal counsel before acting on any information discussed.