Grand Juror Expectations
The expectations of grand jurors in Alaska include the following:
- Attendance: Grand jurors are expected to attend all scheduled sessions of the grand jury, unless excused by the court.
- Objectivity: Grand jurors are expected to approach their duties with objectivity and impartiality, and to base their decisions on the evidence presented and the testimony of witnesses.
- Due diligence: Grand jurors are expected to review all of the evidence presented to them, and to ask questions of witnesses in order to gather more information about the case.
- Secrecy: Grand jurors are bound by oath to keep the proceedings of the grand jury secret, and to not disclose any information about the proceedings, unless authorized by law.
- Fair-mindedness: Grand jurors are expected to be fair-minded and to consider all perspectives and evidence presented to them, and to make decisions based on the facts of the case.
- Professionalism: Grand jurors are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, and to respect the rights of all parties involved in the case.
- Keeping an open mind: Grand jurors are expected to keep an open mind and approach each case with impartiality.
- Compliance with laws: Grand jurors are expected to comply with all laws that govern grand juries in the state of Alaska.
- Time management: Grand jurors are expected to manage their time efficiently, as they will have a lot of information to review and they may have to make decisions quickly.
- Willingness to learn: Grand jurors are expected to be willing to learn about the legal system and the responsibilities of being a grand juror.
- Attention to detail: Grand jurors are expected to pay attention to detail, as the cases they will be reviewing can be complex and require close examination of evidence and testimony.
- Communication: Grand jurors are expected to communicate effectively with other members of the grand jury, the prosecutor, and the court.
- Flexibility: Grand jurors are expected to be flexible, as the cases they will be reviewing can be diverse and may require them to consider different types of evidence and testimony.
- Discretion: Grand jurors are expected to use discretion when making decisions, as the cases they will be reviewing can be sensitive and may have serious consequences for the defendants.
- Ethical conduct: Grand jurors are expected to conduct themselves ethically and to avoid conflicts of interest or any other conduct that could compromise their ability to act impartially.
- Respect for the rights of defendants: Grand jurors are expected to respect the rights of defendants, including the right to a fair trial and the right to remain silent.
- It is important to note that these are general expectations of grand jurors in Alaska, and that specific expectations may vary depending on the case and the court’s instructions.
Alaska Grand Jury Powers, Rights, and Duties
Alaska Constitution, Article 1, Section 8: The power of grand juries to investigate and make recommendations concerning the public welfare or safety shall never be suspended.
Alaska Statute 12.40.030: “Duty of inquiry into crimes and general powers.The grand jury shall inquire into all crimes committed or triable within the jurisdiction of the court and present them to the court. The grand jury shall have the power to investigate and make recommendations concerning the public welfare or safety.”
Alaska Statute 12.40.040: “Juror to disclose knowledge of crime.If an individual grand juror knows or has reason to believe that a crime has been committed that is triable by the court, the juror shall disclose it to the other jurors, who shall investigate it.”