At today's Manhattan Grand Jury meeting: What happened

[TygrBright]

20. The ones I have been on are like a meeting at work.

You're in a conference-type room, large or small (depending on jurisdictional resources) with whatever AV facilities are needed, at a table or tables.

You need the table(s) - it's got the big law books on it, your note pads, and copies of things that you're looking at, pieces of evidence, etc.

There is a place - could be one end of a table, or a separate table - where witnesses will sit while giving testimony.

The door is lockable because if you're going out for a break or a meal, they ask you to leave all your notes, etc., in there - don't take them with you.

In particularly high-security cases where there's a lot of worry over premature leaks, etc., you may be asked to leave your personal belongings in another locked room, and retrieve them at the end of your session, but most of the time I was allowed to retain my handbag.

There is usually one or two DA staff reps, and court employee who assist with the proceedings. It's not very formal, but it is very focused.

The first thing you're asked to do is choose a foreman, who will put together the final summary and tally votes if needed, and pass the indictment form to the DA staff when it is finalized.

helpfully,
Bright