Texas
Related: About this forumPerry Grand Juror Reportedly Attended Democratic Convention And Attended Speech Of Witness
There is an interesting story out of Texas in the Perry controversy that raises the difference between grand juries and petit juries. One of the grand jurors, Rho Chalmers, who indicted Governor Rick Perry turned out to be a delegate to the Texas Democratic Party convention who not only actively participated in the convention during her service but actually took a picture with a Democratic state representative who appeared as a witness before her jury.
The rules on conflicts are more relaxed for grand jurors due to the larger number of members and the fact that their decisions are only to indict rather than to convict. However, Chalmers political work during the pendency of the case raises question of whether a recusal or at least a notice should be required of members. I am not saying that she acted out of political animus. I am perfectly willing to accept her insistence that it was not a political decision for her to vote to indict. Yet, the appearance could not be worse in such a case and the question is whether the issue was raised with the special prosecutor, San Antonio lawyer Michael McCrum.
News reports state that Chalmers attended the Democratic convention and commented on its proceedings while the grand jury proceedings were occurring. She was also photographed with Democratic state Sen. Kirk Watson, a witness. It is not known if she discussed the matter with him.
The grand jury was selected in April, 2014 and did not conclude until last week. Yet, on June 27, 2014, Chalmers shared a photo of the Watson event on a community Facebook page stating, Senator Kirk Watson telling the story of the Wendy Davis fillibuster (sic).
Read more: http://jonathanturley.org/2014/08/21/perry-grand-juror-reportedly-attended-democratic-convention-and-attended-speech-of-witness-during-the-grand-jury-proceedings/
Gothmog
(145,152 posts)I have been to the state democratic convention a couple of times. Does this mean that I can not be a grand juror?
TexasTowelie
(112,141 posts)you are also an attorney. Welcome to third class citizenry.
Gothmog
(145,152 posts)thevoiceofreason
(3,440 posts)Fishing for a client
Gothmog
(145,152 posts)I did not have as much fun as this person evidently did.
I went to school with Kirk Watson. Does that also mean that I can not be on a grand jury?
TexasTowelie
(112,141 posts)Feel fortunate, the per diem would never suffice for yer high falutin' lifestyle.