Grand juries and the judicial branch. Representative Ben Carpenter has championed the power of grand juries. Here are some of the sections under Article I you should be aware of:
Under Article I of the Alaska State Constitution the declaration of rights is clearly laid out.
Section 1 states, This constitution is dedicated to the principles that all persons have a natural right to life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, and the enjoyment of the rewards of their own industry; that all persons are equal and entitled to equal rights, opportunities, and protection under the law; and that all persons have corresponding obligations to the people and to the State.”
Section 2 All political power is inherent in the people. All government originates with the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of the people as a whole.
Section 3 No person is to be denied the enjoyment of any civil or political right because of race, color, creed, sex, or national origin. The legislature shall implement this section. [Amended 1972].
Section 4 and Section 5 address Freedom of Religion and Freedom of Speech.
Section 6 addresses freedom of assembly which means we can gather in support of one another
Section 7 says No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law. The right of all persons to fair and just treatment in the course of legislative and executive investigations shall not be infringed.
Section 8 which says , “No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a grand jury, except in cases arising in the armed forces in time of war or public danger. Indictment may be waived by the accused. In that case the prosecution shall be by information. The grand jury shall consist of at least twelve citizens, a majority of whom concurring may return an indictment. The power of grand juries to investigate and make recommendations concerning the public welfare or safety shall never be suspended.” This allows us to address judicial misconduct and corruption of our government, officials and yes judges. Here is the a video by Representative Ben Carpetner about Grand Juries.
The right to due process is addressed in statutue. The work done by legislators on these rights is phenomenal as it protects victims from being revictimized, allows grand jurors to hear evidence that will be presented at trial and is makes several designations of misdemeanor crimes for infringing on those protections. Ben Carpenter points out that has has seen and heard evidence of those rights being violated. These rights are not just for one but for all Alaskans.
So Alaska Grand Jurors Association asks you, when are you going to ask for your constitutional rights to be protected by thos you elect and pay to represent you in the protection of those rights? Join us in celebrating and protecting our freedoms.
