Ferguson and Staten Island Grand Jury Decisions Spark Ongoing Debate

Courtroom Drama Highlights Legal Complexities

New FAQ from Berkeley Law Provides Explanation

In the aftermath of the high-profile Ferguson and Staten Island grand jury decisions, Berkeley Law's Center for Criminal Justice and Public Policy has released a comprehensive FAQ that sheds light on the legal complexities surrounding grand juries.

The document, titled "WEB FAQ on Grand Juries and the Ferguson and Staten Island Cases," addresses frequently asked questions about the role of grand juries in the criminal justice system, the standards for indictment, and the implications of the recent decisions.

According to the FAQ, grand juries are tasked with determining whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused should stand trial. This probable cause standard is lower than the standard required for a conviction at trial.

The FAQ also clarifies that grand juries operate in secret and that their deliberations are not subject to public scrutiny. This secrecy can lead to uncertainty and frustration, as was evident in the Ferguson and Staten Island cases.

The Berkeley Law FAQ provides a valuable resource for understanding the legal processes involved in grand jury proceedings and the implications of the recent decisions in Ferguson and Staten Island.