The Constitution mandates that grand jury sessions are open to the public, for the protection of the accused?

Question

True or false?

Answer 1

~Which constitution? The US Constitution only mentions the Grand Jury in Amendment V, and simply says that one cannot be held to answer for a capital or otherwise infamous crime except by indictment or presentment to a grand jury. As to the particulars of the formation, duty, composition, evidence, procedure and like matters pertaining a federal grand jury, that is the stuff of which statutes are made, not constitutions.

State constitutions vary. In most states, defendants who elect to testify can have their attorneys present during their testimony, but the attorney can't participate other than to advise the client privately. Given that most states make it criminal to disclose what occurs in the grand jury, you should be able to figure it out from there.

Answer 2

False, Grand Juries meet in secret

Answer 3

False. Only Petit Jury sessions are open to the public, unless the trial judge orders the courtroom cleared.

Answer 4

False - grand jury proceedings are confidential. Even attorneys are not allowed to accompany their clients in a grand jury room.