Posted: Jul 15, 2013 8:40 pm
Warren Dew wrote:It's also a strong argument for incorporating the grand jury requirement of the 5th amendment against the states. Doing that would address some of the actual racist abuses of our criminal justice system against blacks, unlike the persecution of Zimmerman in this trial.
Only if it's reformed so it won't "indict a ham-sandwich." Defense council in the room at all times, right of access for the defendant at all sessions, and some independent legal advice from a judge. The theory behind a grand jury is sound enough: the practice can be severely lacking.
I think the prosecution in this case actually did involve racism - just not racism against blacks.
Or cowardice in the face of extreme media and political pressure.