Grand Juror Responsibilities
The responsibilities of grand jurors in Alaska include the following:
- Investigate criminal offenses: Grand juries are 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.
- Subpoena witnesses and evidence: Grand juries have the power to subpoena witnesses and evidence in criminal investigations, to gather information relevant to their investigation.
- Question witnesses: Grand jurors have the opportunity to question witnesses who testify before them, in order to gather more information about the case.
- Review evidence: Grand jurors review evidence presented by the prosecution, including physical evidence and witness testimony, in order to determine if there is enough evidence to support an indictment.
- Make decisions: Grand jurors make decisions on whether to return an indictment, based on the evidence presented and the testimony of witnesses.
- Serve as a check on the criminal justice system: Grand juries serve as a check on the criminal justice system, by independently investigating criminal cases and making decisions about whether to return an indictment, which is an important protection against arbitrary or unjust prosecution by the state.
- Investigate civil matters: Grand juries also have the power to investigate civil matters such as fraud, corruption, and abuse of public office.
- Investigate their own misconduct: Grand juries have the power to investigate their own misconduct.
It’s important to note that 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.