Question about DoJ convening grand juries...

[Silent3]

I know that grand jury proceedings are kept secret, but is it common, or even typical, that we don't even find out that a grand jury has been convened before we suddenly learn it has already been convened, heard evidence, and issued indictments?

This is an incredibly pleasant surprise regarding Bannon, but I expected more evidence that something was going on before the indictments appeared.

A nice relief from my growing cynicism about things.

[MiHale]

1. Right there with you...👍 ...nt

[Raven123]

2. You can bet that Garland will keep as quiet as possible.

It’s a good thing. No MSM hyperventilating. All business. Avoids even the appearance of politicization

[Ohio Joe]

3. As best I understand it...

No announcement is normally made. Leaks can and do happen but I suspect when the DOJ is run by a professional, professionalism tends to become the culture of the DOJ.

[Ocelot II]

4. It's not unusual at all.

In the federal system grand juries aren't convened for a single case; they are called to sit over a period of up to 18 months and hear multiple cases. Usually they meet only once or a few days a week. So there was already a grand jury in existence that this case was presented to, and the name of the target doesn't necessarily appear on the public docket.

[Silent3]

6. Thanks for the info! n/t

[MineralMan]

5. Yes. It is typical.

Grand Jury proceedings are not public. The DOJ does not always announce that a grand jury has been formed, or what it has been impaneled to investigate. In fact, you won't find press releases about the formation of grand juries in most cases. Often, the first we hear about them is when they issue an indictment. That rates a press release from the DOJ.