Two Sneak Peeks Inside a Grand Jury

It’s not every day that grand jurors write about their experiences, but here are two who did. Both recently served on grand juries in New York, and they offer competing takes on this corner of our justice system.

The first juror emerged from the experience with an awareness of the power of prosecutors, who dominate the process.

The second emerged with an appreciation for a grand jury’s role in checking that power.

But how independent are grand juries, really? Do they always vote to indict? Are they encouraged to do so? Expected, even? Pressured? Are they more than a rubber stamp?

Read on for some answers from two former grand jurors.