Grand Juror Resources

The legal framework for the grand jury system in Alaska is established by the state’s constitution and statutes. The Alaska Constitution guarantees the right to a grand jury, and the statutes provide the rules and procedures for grand jury selection, empanelment, and operation.

The main laws that govern the grand jury system in Alaska are found in the Alaska Statutes Title 22. Criminal Procedure and Title 44. State Government.

Under Title 22. Criminal Procedure, Section 22.15.010 provides that grand juries shall be impaneled in each judicial district at such times as the court may direct. Section 22.15.020 provides that grand juries shall be composed of 12 citizens who are selected at random from the same source and in the same manner as petit jurors.

Section 22.15.030, allows for the court to order a special grand jury for a term of not more than 18 months if it is deemed necessary, and Section 22.15.040, states that grand juries shall be charged with the duty of inquiring into all public offenses committed or triable within the district, and of finding indictments when in their judgment there is sufficient legal evidence to justify an indictment.

Under Title 44. State Government, Section 44.88.100, gives grand juries the power to subpoena witnesses and evidence in criminal investigations. It states that a grand jury may issue a subpoena to require the attendance of a witness or the production of evidence at any place within the state at a time and place specified in the subpoena. The subpoena must be signed by the foreperson of the grand jury or a member of the grand jury designated by the foreperson.

Section 44.88.180 gives grand juries the power to investigate civil matters such as fraud, corruption, and abuse of public office. While Section 44.88.190 gives grand juries the power to investigate their own misconduct.

In summary, the legal framework for the grand jury system in Alaska is established by the state’s constitution and statutes, which provide the rules and procedures for grand jury selection, empanelment, and operation. The Alaska Statutes Title 22. Criminal Procedure and Title 44. State Government, establish the main laws that govern the grand jury system in Alaska, and the Alaska Supreme Court has provided important guidelines and standards through its opinions.