Grand Jury Word Drops from US Legal System
Historical Usage
The term "grand jury" has been a cornerstone of the US legal system for centuries. It refers to a group of citizens who are empowered by law to investigate potential criminal conduct and determine whether a person accused of a crime should be given a trial in court.
Modern Decline
However, in recent years, the use of grand juries has declined significantly. According to a 2021 report by the Brennan Center for Justice, only 12% of federal criminal cases were initiated by grand jury indictments in 2020, compared to 30% in 1980.
This decline is attributed to a variety of factors, including the increasing use of plea bargains, the rise of electronic surveillance, and the perception that grand juries are inefficient and expensive.
Impact on Criminal Justice
The decline of grand juries has had a significant impact on the criminal justice system. Critics argue that it has led to a decrease in accountability for government officials and law enforcement officers, as well as a rise in the number of wrongful convictions.
Supporters of the decline, on the other hand, argue that it has streamlined the criminal justice system and made it more efficient. They also maintain that the use of plea bargains and other alternative methods of resolving cases has helped to reduce the number of unnecessary trials.
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