FEATURE ARTICLES. UNDERSTANDING THE JURY SYSTEM? PART 2.

As we have seen in the News the past Week, Demonstrations have turned violent in the wake of the Grand Jury decisions in Missouri and New York.

Unlike Peaceful and Thoughtful Demonstrations to make the Public aware of Their belief in the Injustice of both failures to Indict either Police Officer, these Actions only served to Polarize more of the U.S., by directing Destruction against those who had done them no Harm.  Further, Demonizing everyone wearing a Badge is Foolish and Counterproductive.

Besides, it accomplishes Nothing.  I don't Understand what possible Good it does to Direct Anger against those who may actually support your point of you. Further, do you Think such Violent Activities are going to persuade Your Opponents to Change Their Mind? 

Even Worse, it ignores the Problem they perceive to be present in the Criminal Justice System, as it Pertains to Minority Groups in the United States.

However, lets get back to the Problem at Hand, and try to Understand the Jury System as it is Currently Applied.

As I pointed out in Part 1, a Jury doesn't have to Issue any Reason for its Decision, be it a Grand Jury, Trail Jury etc.  Yet that Decision is not set in Stone as the Final Word in the Matter, at least not in every case.

This Leads us to Point #3.

Unlike a Criminal Trial by Jury, where a Not Guilty Verdict RESULTS IN THE APPLICATION OF DOUBLE JEOPARDY, A FAILURE TO INDICT IS NOT AN ACQUITTAL.  THE PROSECUTION MAY CONVENE A SECOND GRAND JURY IF, IN ITS OPINION, NEW EVIDENCE WILL BRING ABOUT AN INDICTMENT.

In Fact, even an Acquittal in a Jury Trial may not end the Legal Troubles of the Accused or Defendant.  For the Time Being, let us set aside the Recent Controversies, and take a look at History.

It is a Sad and Disturbing part of American History that Crimes Directed Against Minority Groups, were often Ignored and Given little notice by Officials Charged with protecting All of its Citizens. Racial Discrimination against African- Americans, Native Americans and Immigrants from Japan , China and other parts of Asia often meant little protection from Criminal Activities, especially if the Accusation was against a member of the Privileged Class. (Determined by Skin Color or Physical Characteristics.)

SEE PT 3.

Date-  12/10/2014.