Agricultural Disaster Assistance (CRS Report for Congress)
| Release Date |
Revised May 20, 2015 |
| Report Number |
RS20214 |
| Report Type |
Report |
| Authors |
Charles Doyle, Senior Specialist in American Public Law |
| Source Agency |
Congressional Research Service |
| Older Revisions |
-
Premium Revised May 7, 2015 (8 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Revised Jan. 22, 2008 (6 pages, $24.95)
add
-
Premium Oct. 3, 2005 (6 pages, $24.95)
add
|
Summary:
The federal grand jury exists to investigate crimes against the United States and to secure theconstitutional right of grand jury indictment. Its responsibilities require broad powers. As an armof the United States District Court which summons it, upon whose process it relies, and whichwill receive any indictments it returns, the grand jury's subject matter and geographicaljurisdiction is that of the court to which it is attached.Ordinarily, the law is entitled to everyone's evidence. Witnesses subpoenaed to appear before thegrand jury, therefore, will find little to excuse their appearance. Once before the panel, however,they are entitled to the benefit of various constitutional, common law and statutory privileges,including the right to withhold self-incriminating testimony and the security of confidentiality oftheir attorney-client communications. They are not, however, entitled to have an attorney withthem in the grand jury room when they testify. Unless the independence of the grand jury isoverborne, irregularities in the grand jury process ordinarily will not result in dismissal of anindictment, particularly where dismissal is sought after conviction.old self-incriminatingtestimony and the security of confidentiality of their attorney-client communications.They are not, however, entitled to have an attorney with them in the grand jury roomwhen they testify. Unless the independence of the grand jury is overborne, irregularitiesin the grand jury process ordinarily will not result in dismissal of an indictment,particularly where dismissal is sought after conviction.
