Report Back From NYC Info Session on Grand Juries

On Monday, November 9th, a small group of comrades staged an info session on grand juries in New York City's Washington Square Park from 3pm to 6pm. The info session took place in order to spread the word about grand juries - targeting specifically revolutionaries - that are secretly assembling throughout the country. We distributed several pamphlets and flyers explaining the grand jury process and another on revolutionary solidarity and informally spoke about the situation with the several dozen people who stopped by the info table.

The purpose of the info session was to make public the State's grand jury strategy which feeds off its secrecy. When subpoenaed by a grand jury, individuals who refuse to cooperate and become complicit with the State's project can receive jail time and federal charges. It is unclear how many people have been recently subpoenaed because grand juries assemble behind closed door. Well beyond our expectations, the success of the day came when information about previously unknown federal subpoenas was brought to our attention from people who stopped by the park. For these reasons, we encourage other cities to have info sessions of their own and to make public the current grand juries convening throughout the country.

If you are contacted by law enforcement or subpoenaed go public immediately. Don't give any information to the police or the FBI. We have the utmost respect and admiration for Gerald Koch, Carrie Feldman and anyone else resisting State coercion and refusing to cooperate with this repressive project. Its important to keep these comrades in our minds and hearts and remember that revolutionary solidarity, in all its forms, is our only weapon against repression.

Grand Jury Info From Fire To The Prisons:

Witnesses appearing before a grand jury have a right to an attorney, but the lawyer must stay outside the room.

The evidence is presented to the grand jurors by the prosecuting attorney, but a judge is not present. So there's no one to raise an objection – or to consider it.

Like trial juries, grand jury deliberations are conducted in secret. Only the grand jury, the prosecutor, the witness under examination, the court reporter and an interpreter (if one is required) may be present in the grand jury room.

But unlike a trial jury, a grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence – only whether there's probably cause to believe a person or persons committed a crime. Whereas a trial jury reaches a verdict on whether the accused is convicted or acquitted, a grand jury can decide whether to bring charges via a written indictment.

The federal grand jury hears evidence presented by a federal prosecutor. The grand jury has no investigative staff of its own, so it relies on the prosecutor's information and expertise. The prosecutor shapes the case before the grand jury, deciding which witnesses will be called and what evidence to present. The grand jury may ask to call additional witnesses if necessary.

It is customary for the prosecutor to question a witness first, followed by a grand jury foreperson. Then, other members of the grand jury may question the witness. Often the jurors will ask the prosecutor to ask a question, rather than asking themselves.

A witness may ask to leave the room to speak with their attorney but the lawyer is at a disadvantage, having not heard the proceedings. A witness may also invoke the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination and refuse to answer a question, but a choice of silence by the individual in the case of a grand jury can lead to contempt of court. In the case of a grand jury, the individual can be held for up to 18 months or the amount of time the grand jury can remain open without any new evidence. Once the time of the grand jury is depleted, the prosecution can re-open the case, making it so the individual can be held in contempt for another 18 months again, and the circle of repression can continue and continue.

What is especially unique about the grand jury is that the individual is not always a suspect in the crime, and there is no need for any evidence against them.

well no need for suspense -

well no need for suspense - what new federal subpoenas did you learn about?

Presumably, that of Scott

Presumably, that of Scott DeMuth, who was jailed today.

http://davenportgrandjury.wordpress.com

Two legitimate reponses to

Two legitimate reponses to grand juries exist: Either to show up and refuse to testify or refuse to show up at all. If you show up, they can put you in jail right there when you do the right thing and you must be prepared for that. Otherwise, you are better off not to surrender. If you go underground over this you might, of course, never even be found. This, of course, might last longer than 18 months, only you can decide whether to risk 18 months in jail,years on the run, or a pitched battle with the pigs.

You do NOT have the right to answer the grand jury's questions about the behavior of other activsts under any circumstances! Doing so is snitching, and if you would snitch on others to save your own skin you have no business being involved in any way with direct action or those of use who use it.

If I am ever called to a grand jury, I will refuse to appear and will defend myself against arrest with unlimited force. Since I am not willing to go to jail, but even less willing to snitch, I obviously cannot appear before a grand jury. I do NOT want to have to take myself out in jail or prison(though that is far, far better than being a snitch), so I am better off to fight for my freedom. This, of course, starts with not serving myself up to them on a silver platter, requiring them first to find me if they can, then to come and fight.

whats with the photo of the

whats with the photo of the hipster ho??

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