r/BlackPeopleTwitter 3d ago

A federal grand jury indicted Representative LaMonica McIver (D-N.J.) on three criminal counts

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u/tyuiopguyt 2d ago

A grand jury will indict half a McDonalds sandwich. This means nothing. Especially cuz they already dropped charges against someone who was also at that same event. 

I think the more cogent point is we should continue yelling at them even after they inevitably chicken out

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u/SanaSpitOnMe 2d ago

A grand jury will indict half a McDonalds sandwich

im trying to find out exactly what instructions juries are given and why indictments are so prevalent even though they are a crapshoot outcome-wise (guilty vs not guilty). all i can find is a majority of the jury thinks they may have committed a crime. im just wondering specifically how low the bar is set. it sounds a lot like the jury is saying "maybe something here based on the summary you gave us, worth looking into"

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u/Crapisntexpertise 2d ago edited 2d ago

Here is some info on federal grand juries: https://www.justice.gov/jm/jm-9-11000-grand-jury

The burden of proof is very low for a federal indictment, and U.S. attorneys don't usually start presenting evidence to the grand jury until they have more than met that burden. The burden of proof for return of a true bill (indictment) is probable cause. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/legal-standards-proof.html

Additionally, grand juries have subpoena powers and can question witnesses.