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The Grand Jury
The Grand Jury of the City of St. Louis is established by Missouri law. There are certain requirements that each juror must fulfill before they may serve on the grand jury. A grand juror must be 25 years of age or older, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the City of St. Louis, and must not have any felony convictions. Prospective grand jurors are summoned by the Jury Commissioner and are selected by the Circuit Judge presiding over Division 16. Grand jurors serve for three months, and there are four different grand jury terms each year. Some grand jurors serve regularly during their three-month term and others serve as alternates, as needed. The grand jury may investigate and return indictments in felony and misdemeanor cases occurring within the City of St. Louis. A grand jury indictment is a finding that enough probable cause exists to believe that the defendant is properly charged, and the case should proceed to trial. This finding of probable cause is similar to that made by the Associate Circuit Judge who presides over preliminary hearings in felony cases. However, when a judge finds probable cause an Information is issued. When the grand jury finds probable cause, an indictment is issued. Missouri law requires that a finding of probable cause be made in every felony case by judge or grand jury. Most grand jury hearings are somewhat informal in that the rules of evidence that generally apply in a courtroom do not apply in a grand jury hearing. Witnesses are sworn to tell the truth during grand jury hearings, and the grand jurors may ask questions directly of the witnesses. Generally the defendant does not testify before the grand jury, but may do so in rare instances. The grand jurors vote on whether they think the evidence presented to them fulfills the probable cause requirement in the case. If at least nine of the twelve grand jurors believe there is sufficient probable cause, a True Bill is returned - or a Bill of Indictment warranting prosecution of the defendant. If less than nine of the grand jurors believe there is insufficient probable cause, a No True Bill is returned and the charges against the defendant are dismissed. Grand jury hearings are closed hearings to all but a few individuals. The grand jurors must attend, as must an attorney from the Circuit Attorney's Office. One witness testifies at a time, and the Assistant Circuit Attorney examines the witness and provides whatever legal advice or other relevant information the grand jury may require. All parties to any grand jury hearing are legally bound not to divulge any evidence or information given or discussed during that hearing. The decision to whether send a case to the grand jury or to a preliminary hearing is within the sole discretion of the Circuit Attorney. The more serious or complicated felonies are generally routed to the grand jury. During their term, grand jurors are required to tour the City Workhouse, and will be required to tour the City Jail when it is completed. The Grand Jury has the authority to visit any other public building or institution it may wish. The Grand Jury must file a report after each term with the Circuit Court. The report describes the term and any official visits made, and includes any relevant suggestions the grand jurors may have for the institutions visited. The Grand Jury in the City of St. Louis is generally kept very busy and meets two to three times per week at a minimum. The criminal docket in the City of St. Louis maintains high numbers of cases at all times. It is crucial that every member of the criminal justice system, including the members of the Grand Jury, efficiently move cases through the system in order to better serve all affected parties. The Circuit Attorney's Office is dedicated to obtaining justice in a fair and efficacious manner, and is pleased to join the grand jury in this endeavor. |
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