In Re STANDARD JURY INSTRUCTIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES—REPORT NO. 2014-02

Supreme Court of Florida
____________
No. SC14-364
____________
IN RE: STANDARD JURY INSTRUCTIONS IN CRIMINAL CASES—
REPORT NO. 2014-02.
[September 11, 2014]
PER CURIAM.
The Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in Criminal
Cases (Committee) has submitted proposed changes to the standard jury
instructions and asks that the Court authorize the amended standard instructions for
publication and use. We have jurisdiction. See art. V, § 2(a), Fla. Const.
The Committee proposes amendments to the following existing standard
criminal jury instructions: Instruction 9.1 (Kidnapping); Instruction 9.2 (False
Imprisonment); Instruction 16.1 (Aggravated Child Abuse); and Instruction 16.3
(Child Abuse). The Committee also proposes the following new jury instruction:
Instruction 16.2 (Failure to Provide Financial Support). Finally, the Committee
proposes amendments to the Florida Grand Jury Handbook and the Florida Grand
Jury Instructions. The Committee’s proposals were published in The Florida Bar
News, and three comments were received by the Committee, pertaining to the
proposals to instructions 9.1, 9.2, and 16.2. The Committee did not alter its
proposals based on the comments. The Court did not publish the proposals after
they were filed.
Having considered the Committee’s report and the comments submitted to
the Committee, we amend the standard jury instructions, the Florida Grand Jury
Handbook, and the Florida Grand Jury Instructions as proposed by the Committee
and authorize them for publication and use.
Some of the more significant changes to the standard jury instructions are as
follows. With respect to instructions 9.1 and 9.2, amongst other changes, the
instructions are amended to include the enhancement in sections 787.01(3)(a) and
787.02(3)(a), Florida Statutes (2013), respectively, which enhances the offense of
kidnapping or false imprisonment from a first-degree felony punishable by life to a
life felony if the victim was less than thirteen years of age and the defendant
committed an enumerated offense in the course of committing the kidnapping or
false imprisonment, as applicable. With respect to instructions 16.1 and 16.3,
amongst other changes, the instructions are amended to reflect that a person acting
in loco parentis is entitled to claim the affirmative defense. Instruction 16.2 is
new, and pertains to failure to provide financial support under section 827.06,
Florida Statutes (2013). The instruction tracks the statutory language. Finally, in
-2-
addition to minor technical changes, the Florida Grand Jury Handbook and the
Florida Grand Jury Instructions are amended to remove references to “terms of
court” because the concept is no longer used in Florida.
The new and amended criminal jury instructions, and the amendments to the
Florida Grand Jury Handbook and the Florida Grand Jury Instructions, as set forth
in the appendix to this opinion, are hereby authorized for publication and use.1
New language is indicated by underlining and deleted language is indicated by
struck-through type. In authorizing the publication and use of these instructions,
we express no opinion on their correctness and remind all interested parties that
this authorization forecloses neither requesting additional or alternative
instructions nor contesting the legal correctness of the instructions. We further
caution all interested parties that any comments associated with the instructions
reflect only the opinion of the Committee and are not necessarily indicative of the
views of this Court as to their correctness or applicability. The instructions and
handbook as set forth in the appendix shall be effective when this opinion becomes
final.
1. The amendments as reflected in the appendix are to the Criminal Jury
Instructions as they appear on the Court’s website at www.floridasupremecourt.org
/jury_instructions/instructions.shtml. We recognize that there may be minor
discrepancies between the instructions as they appear on the website and the
published versions of the instructions. Any discrepancies as to instructions
authorized for publication and use after October 25, 2007, should be resolved by
reference to the published opinion of this Court authorizing the instruction.
-3-
It is so ordered.
LABARGA, C.J., and PARIENTE, LEWIS, QUINCE, CANADY, POLSTON,
and PERRY, JJ., concur.
THE FILING OF A MOTION FOR REHEARING SHALL NOT ALTER THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THESE AMENDMENTS.
Original Proceeding – Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in
Criminal Cases
Judge Jerri Lynn Collins, Chair, Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury
Instructions in Criminal Cases, Sanford, Florida, and Judge Joseph Anthony
Bulone, Past Chair, Supreme Court Committee on Standard Jury Instructions in
Criminal Cases, Clearwater, Florida, and Bart Schneider, Senior Attorney, Office
of the States Court Administrator, Tallahassee, Florida,
for Petitioner
-4-
APPENDIX
9.1 KIDNAPPING
§ 787.01, Fla._Stat.
To prove the crime of Kidnapping, the State must prove the following
three elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant) [forcibly] [secretly] [by threat]
[confined]
[abducted]
[imprisoned]
(victim) against [his] [her] will.
2. (Defendant) had no lawful authority to do so.
3. (Defendant) acted with intent to:
Give 3a, 3b, 3c, or 3d as applicable.
If 3b is given, define applicable felony.
a. hold (victim) for ransom or reward or as a shield or hostage.
b. commit or facilitate the commission of (applicable felony).
c. inflict bodily harm upon or to terrorize the victim (victim) or
another person.
d. interfere with the performance of any governmental or political
function.
Give when 3b is alleged. See Carron v. State, 414 So. 2d 288 (Fla. 2d DCA),
approved, 427 So. 2d 192 (Fla. 1982) Faison v. State, 426 So. 2d 963 (Fla. 1983).
In order to be kidnapping, the [confinement] [abduction]
[imprisonment]
a. must not be slight, inconsequential, or merely incidental to the
felony (applicable felony);
-5-
b. must not be of the kind inherent in the nature of the felony
(applicable felony); and
c. must have some significance independent of the felony (applicable
felony) in that it makes the felony (applicable felony) substantially
easier of commission or substantially lessens the risk of detection.
Definition. Give if applicable. Bishop v. State, 46 So. 3d 75 (Fla. 5th DCA
2010).
“Secretly” means the defendant intended to isolate or insulate the victim
from meaningful contact or meaningful communication with the public.
Read only if confinement is alleged and child victim is under 13 years of
age.
Confinement of a child under the age of 13 is against [his] [her] the
child’s will if such confinement is without the consent of [his] [her] the child’s
parent or legal guardian.
If a violation of § 787.01(3), Fla. Stat. is charged, instruct as follows:
If you find the defendant guilty of Kidnapping, you must also determine
whether the State has proved the following aggravating circumstances beyond
a reasonable doubt:
1. At the time of the Kidnapping, (victim) was under 13 years of age;
and
2. In the course of committing the Kidnapping, (defendant)
committed [an Aggravated Child Abuse] [a Sexual Battery against
(victim)] [a Lewd or Lascivious Battery] [a Lewd or Lascivious
Molestation] [a Lewd or Lascivious Conduct] [a Lewd or
Lascivious Exhibition] [a Procuring a Child for Prostitution upon
(victim)] [a Forcing, Compelling, or Coercing Another to Become
a Prostitute upon (victim)] [an Exploitation of a Child upon
(victim)]. Define applicable felony unless included in other
instructions.
-6-
Lesser Included Offenses
KIDNAPPING — 787.01
CATEGORY ONE CATEGORY TWO FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
False imprisonment 787.02 9.2
Attempt 777.04(1) 5.1
Aggravated assault 784.021 8.2
Battery 784.03 8.3
Assault 784.011 8.1
Comments
The Kidnapping statute does not exempt a parent from criminal liability for
kidnapping his or her own child. See Davila v. State, 75 So. 3d 192 (Fla. 2011).
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 1985 [477 So. 2d 985]
and 2014.
9.2 FALSE IMPRISONMENT
§ 787.02, Fla._Stat.
To prove the crime of False Imprisonment, the State must prove the
following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant) [forcibly] [secretly] [by threat]
[confined]
[abducted]
[imprisoned]
[restrained]
(victim) against [his] [her] will.
2. (Defendant) had no lawful authority to do so.
Definition. Give if applicable. Bishop v. State, 46 So. 3d 75 (Fla. 5th DCA
2010).
-7-
“Secretly” means the defendant intended to isolate or insulate the
victim from meaningful contact or meaningful communication with the
public.
Read only if confinement is alleged and child victim is under 13 years of
age.
Confinement of a child under the age of 13 is against [his] [her] the
child’s will if such confinement is without the consent of [his] [her] the child’s
parent or legal guardian.
If a violation of § 787.02(3), Fla. Stat. is charged, instruct as follows:
If you find the defendant guilty of False Imprisonment, you must also
determine whether the State has proved the following aggravating
circumstances beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. At the time of the False Imprisonment, (victim) was under 13
years of age;
and
2. In the course of committing the False Imprisonment, (defendant)
committed [an Aggravated Child Abuse] [a Sexual Battery against
(victim)] [a Lewd or Lascivious Battery] [a Lewd or Lascivious
Molestation] [a Lewd or Lascivious Conduct] [a Lewd or
Lascivious Exhibition] [a Procuring a Child for Prostitution upon
(victim)] [a Forcing, Compelling, or Coercing Another to Become
a Prostitute upon (victim)] [an Exploitation of a Child upon
(victim)]. Define applicable felony unless included in other
instructions.
Lesser Included Offenses
FALSE IMPRISONMENT — 787.02
CATEGORY ONE CATEGORY TWO FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
None
Attempt 777.04(1) 5.1
Battery 784.03 8.3
Assault 784.011 8.1
-8-
Comments
The Faison test for determining whether a particular confinement or
movement during the commission of another crime constitutes kidnapping, does
not apply to false imprisonment. Sanders v. State, 905 So. 2d 271 (Fla. 2d DCA
2005).
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and was amended in 1985 [477 So. 2d
985], and 1998 [723 So. 2d 123], and 2014.
16.1 AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE
§ 827.03(2)(a), Fla._Stat.
To prove the crime of Aggravated Child Abuse, the State must prove
the following two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant)
Give as applicable.
a. committed aggravated battery upon (victim).
b. willfully tortured (victim).
c. maliciously punished (victim).
d. willfully and unlawfully caged (victim).
e. knowingly or willfully committed child abuse upon (victim) and in
so doing caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, or
permanent disfigurement to (victim).
2. (Victim) was under the age of 18 years.
Give if element 1a is alleged.
In order to prove that an aggravated battery was committed, the State
must prove the following:
1. (Defendant) intentionally
Give as applicable.
-9-
a. touched or struck (victim) against the will of (victim).
b. caused bodily harm to (victim).
Give as applicable.
2. a. In so doing, (defendant) intentionally or knowingly caused [great
bodily harm] [permanent disability] [permanent disfigurement]
[or] [used a deadly weapon].
b. At the time, (victim) was pregnant and (defendant) knew or
should have known (victim) was pregnant.
Give if applicable.
A weapon is a “deadly weapon” if it is used or threatened to be used in a
way likely to produce death or great bodily harm.
Give if element 1b, 1d, or 1e is alleged.
“Willfully” means knowingly, intentionally, and purposely.
Give if element 1c is alleged. Fla. Stat. § 827.03(c).
“Maliciously” means wrongfully, intentionally, and without legal
justification or excuse. Maliciousness may be established by circumstances
from which one could conclude that a reasonable parent would not have
engaged in the damaging acts toward the child for any valid reason and that
the primary purpose of the acts was to cause the victim unjustifiable pain or
injury.
Give if element 1e is alleged. Fla. Stat. § 827.03(1)(b).
“Child Abuse” means [the intentional infliction of physical or mental
injury upon a child] [an intentional act that could reasonably be expected to
result in physical or mental injury to a child] [active encouragement of any
person to commit an act that results or could reasonably be expected to result
in physical or mental injury to a child].
Give if applicable. Fla. Stat. § 827.03(1)(d)
“Mental injury” means injury to the intellectual or psychological
capacity of a child as evidenced by a discernible and substantial impairment
in the ability of the child to function within the normal range of performance
and behavior as supported by expert testimony.
- 10 -
Parental affirmative defense. Give if applicable. See Raford v. State, 828
So. 2d 1012 (Fla. 2002). See § 39.01(49), Florida Statutes, if the defendant’s
status as a parent is at issue.
§ 827.03 Fla. Stat. and case law are silent as to (1) which party bears the
burden of persuasion of the affirmative defense and (2) the standard for the burden
of persuasion. Under the common law, defendants had both the burden of
production and the burden of persuasion on affirmative defenses by a
preponderance of the evidence. The Florida Supreme Court has often decided,
however, that once a defendant meets the burden of production on an affirmative
defense, the burden of persuasion is on the State to disprove the affirmative
defense beyond a reasonable doubt (e.g., self-defense and consent to enter in a
burglary prosecution). In the absence of case law, trial judges must resolve the
issue via a special instruction. See the opinions in Dixon v. United States, 548 U.S.
1 (2006), for further guidance.
It is not a crime for [a parent] [a person who is acting as the lawful
guardian in place of a parent] of a child to impose reasonable physical
discipline on a child for misbehavior under the circumstances even though
physical injury resulted from the discipline.
If burden of persuasion is on the defendant:
If you find that the defendant proved (insert appropriate burden of
persuasion) that [he] [she] was [a parent] [a person acting in place of a parent]
of (victim) and that [he] [she] imposed reasonable physical discipline on
(victim) for misbehavior under the circumstances, you should find [him] [her]
not guilty.
If the defendant did not prove (insert appropriate burden of persuasion)
that [he] [she] was [a parent] [a person acting in place of a parent] of (victim)
or if the defendant did not prove that [he] [she] imposed reasonable physical
discipline on (victim) for misbehavior under the circumstances, you should
find [him] [her] guilty, if all the elements of the charge have been proven
beyond a reasonable doubt.
If burden of persuasion is on the State:
If you find that the State proved (insert appropriate burden of persuasion)
that the defendant was not [a parent] [a person acting in place of a parent] of
(victim) or if you find that the State proved (insert appropriate burden of
persuasion) that the defendant’s physical discipline on (victim) was not
reasonable for misbehavior under the circumstances, you should find [him]
- 11 -
[her] guilty, if all of the elements of the charge have been proven beyond a
reasonable doubt.
Lesser Included Offenses
AGGRAVATED CHILD ABUSE — 827.03(2)(a)
CATEGORY ONE CATEGORY TWO FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
Aggravated Battery; if 784.045 8.4,
element 1a is charged 8.4(a)
Felony Battery; if 784.041 8.5
element 1a is charged
Battery; if element 1a 784.03 8.3
is charged and only
under certain
circumstances. See
Kama v. State, 507 So.
2d 154 (Fla. 2d DCA
1987)
Child Abuse; if 827.03(2)(c) 16.3
element 1e is charged
Attempt 777.04(1) 5.1
Comment
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 2002 [824 So. 2d 881],
2005 [911 So. 2d 766], and 2013 [122 So. 3d 263] and 2014.
16.2 FAILURE TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT
§ 827.06, Fla. Stat.
To prove the crime of Failure to Provide Financial Support, the State
must prove the following five elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant) willfully failed to provide financial support for
(victim).
2. At the time, (victim) was the [child] [spouse] of (defendant).
3. At the time, (defendant) was legally obligated to provide financial
support for (victim).
- 12 -
4. At the time, (defendant) knew [he] [she] was legally obligated to
provide financial support for (victim).
5. At the time, (defendant) had the ability to provide financial
support for (victim).
§ 827.06(3), Fla. Stat. $5000 or more. Give if applicable.
If you find (defendant) guilty of Failure to Provide Financial Support,
you must further determine if the State proved beyond a reasonable doubt
whether the defendant owed, for more than one year, financial support to
(victim) in an amount equal to or greater than $5,000.
§ 827.06(5)(a), Fla. Stat. Give if applicable.
Evidence that the defendant willfully failed to make sufficient good faith
efforts to legally acquire the resources to pay legally ordered support may be
sufficient to prove that [he] [she]had the ability to provide financial support
but willfully failed to do so.
§ 827.06(5)(b), Fla. Stat., § 88.1011(22), Fla. Stat. Give if applicable.
You may conclude that (defendant) knew [he ] [she] was legally obligated
to provide financial support for (victim) if you find that a court or tribunal
entered an order that obligated the defendant to provide financial support to
(victim). “Tribunal” means a court, administrative agency, or quasi-judicial
entity authorized to establish, enforce, or modify support orders or to
determine parentage of a child.
Definition.
Patterson v. State, 512 So. 2d 1109 (Fla. 1st DCA 1987).
“Willfully” means intentionally, knowingly, and purposely.
Lesser Included Offenses
FAILURE TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT ($5000 or more) —
827.06(3)
CATEGORY ONE CATEGORY TWO FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
Failure to Provide 827.06(2) 16.2
Financial Support
- 13 -
FAILURE TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL SUPPORT (4th or subsequent
offense) — 827.06(3)
CATEGORY ONE CATEGORY TWO FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
Failure to Provide 827.06(2) 16.2
Financial Support
Comments
It is error to inform the jury of prior convictions for Failure to Provide
Financial Support. Therefore, if the information or indictment contains an
allegation of three or more prior Failure to Provide Financial Support convictions,
do not read that allegation and do not send the information or indictment into the
jury room. If the defendant is found guilty of Failure to Provide Financial Support,
the historical fact of previous Failure to Provide Financial Support convictions
shall be determined beyond a reasonable doubt in a bifurcated proceeding. State v.
Harbaugh, 754 So. 2d 691 (Fla. 2000).
This instruction was adopted in 2014.
16.3 CHILD ABUSE
§ 827.03(2)(c), Fla. Stat.
To prove the crime of Child Abuse, the State must prove the following
two elements beyond a reasonable doubt:
1. (Defendant) knowingly or willfully:
Give as applicable.
a. intentionally inflicted [physical] [or] [mental] injury upon
(victim).
b. committed an intentional act that could reasonably be expected to
result in [physical] [or] [mental] injury to (victim).
c. actively encouraged another person to commit an act that resulted
in or could reasonably have been expected to result in [physical]
[or] [mental] injury to (victim).
2. (Victim) was under the age of 18 years.
- 14 -
Parental affirmative defense. Give if applicable. See Raford v. State, 828
So. 2d 1012 (Fla. 2002). See § 39.01(49), Florida Statutes, if the defendant’s
status as a parent is at issue.
§ 827.03 Fla. Stat. and case law are silent as to (1) which party bears the
burden of persuasion of the affirmative defense and (2) the standard for the burden
of persuasion. Under the common law, defendants had both the burden of
production and the burden of persuasion on affirmative defenses by a
preponderance of the evidence.
The Florida Supreme Court has often decided, however, that once a
defendant meets the burden of production on an affirmative defense, the burden of
persuasion is on the State to disprove the affirmative defense beyond a reasonable
doubt (e.g., self-defense and consent to enter in a burglary prosecution). In the
absence of case law, trial judges must resolve the issue via a special instruction.
See the opinion in Dixon v. United States, 548 U.S. 1 (2006), for further guidance.
It is not a crime for [a parent] [a person who has legal custody who is
acting in place of a parent] of a child to impose reasonable physical discipline
on a child for misbehavior under the circumstances even though physical
injury resulted from the discipline.
If burden of persuasion is on the defendant:
If you find that defendant proved (insert appropriate burden of
persuasion) that [he] [she] was [a parent] [a person acting in place of a parent]
of (victim) and that [he] [she] imposed reasonable physical discipline on
(victim) for misbehavior under the circumstances, you should find [him] [her]
not guilty.
If the defendant did not prove (insert appropriate burden of persuasion)
that [he] [she] was [a parent] [a person acting in place of a parent] of (victim)
or if you find that the defendant did not prove (insert appropriate burden of
persuasion) that [he] [she] imposed reasonable physical discipline on (victim)
for misbehavior under the circumstances, you should find [him] [her] guilty, if
all the elements of the charge have been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
If burden of persuasion is on the State:
If you find that the State proved (insert appropriate burden of persuasion)
that the defendant was not [a parent] [a person acting in place of a parent] of
(victim) or if you find that the State proved (insert appropriate burden of
persuasion) that the defendant’s physical discipline on (victim) was not
reasonable for misbehavior under the circumstances, you should find [him]
- 15 -
[her] guilty, if all of the elements of the charge have been proven beyond a
reasonable doubt.
Definitions, give as applicable.
§ 827.03(1)(d), Florida Statutes.
“Mental injury” means an injury to the intellectual or psychological
capacity of a child as evidenced by a discernible and substantial
impairment in the ability to function within the normal range of
performance and behavior as supported by expert testimony.
Note to Judge. See § 39.01(49), Florida Statutes, if the defendant’s
status as a parent is at issue.
§ 39.01(35), Florida Statutes. (Give only when the guardian is not a
parent).
“Legal custody” means a legal status created by a court which vests
in a custodian of the person or guardian, whether an agency or an
individual, the right to have physical custody of the child and the right
and duty to protect, nurture, guide, and discipline the child and to
provide [him] [her] with food, shelter, education, and ordinary medical,
dental, psychiatric, and psychological care.
Lesser Included Offenses
CHILD ABUSE — 827.03(2)(c)
CATEGORY ONE CATEGORY TWO FLA. STAT. INS. NO.
None
Contributing to the 827.04(1) 16.4
dependency of a minor
Battery; only under 784.03 8.3
certain circumstances.
See Kama v. State, 507
So. 2d 154 (Fla. 1st
DCA 1987)
Attempt 777.04(1) 5.1
- 16 -
Comments
See Raford v. State, 828 So. 2d 1012 (Fla. 2002), and Dufresne v. State, 826
So. 2d 272 (Fla. 2002), for authority to incorporate definitions from Chapter 39,
Florida Statutes.
This instruction was adopted in 1981 and amended in 1985, 1989, 2002 [824
So. 2d 881], 2011 [75 So. 3d 207], and 2013 [122 So. 3d 263], and 2014.
- 17 -
FLORIDA GRAND JURY HANDBOOK
The Supreme Court Committee
On Standard Jury Instructions
In Criminal Cases
- 18 -
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION
WHAT IS A GRAND JURY?
TERM OF THE GRAND JURY
WHO ARE GRAND JURORS?
DISQUALIFICATION TO SERVE AS A GRAND OR PETIT JUROR
FREQUENTLY USED WORDS AND PHRASES
GRAND JURY AND PETIT JURY DISTINGUISHED
HISTORY OF THE GRAND JURY
THE GRAND JURY AS AN ACCUSING AND INVESTIGATIVE BODY
OFFICERS OF THE GRAND JURY
PROCEDURES
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND JURY
DETERMINATION WHETHER TO RETURN AN INDICTMENT OR
A NO TRUE BILL
THE STATE ATTORNEY (OR THE STATEWIDE PROSECUTOR)
AS LEGAL ADVISOR TO THE GRAND JURY
SECRECY OF GRAND JURY PROCEEDINGS
PROTECTION AND IMMUNITY OF GRAND JURORS
- 19 -
ON BEING A GRAND JUROR — SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
CONCLUSION
INTRODUCTION
"Jury service is one of the highest duties of citizenship, for by it the
citizen participates in the administration of justice.."
Harlan Fisk Stone
Chief Justice
United States Supreme Court
You are one of those citizens who have been selected to perform this
"highest duty of citizenship."
In time of peace there is no higher duty a citizen can perform than that of
jury service; however, few citizens when called to serve have any understanding of
the principles that control the actions of the grand juror.
This handbook is intended only to give the juror a better understanding of
the general nature of his or her functions, together with some suggestions as how
best to carry them out. The court itself will be the final authority in its instructions
to the grand jury. This handbook is not intended in any manner whatever as a
substitute for the instructions given by the presiding judge.
WHAT IS A GRAND JURY?
A grand jury is an investigating, reporting, and accusing agency of the
circuit court (or of the Florida Supreme Court in the case of the statewide grand
jury). It consists of citizens of a specified number who have been summoned and
empaneled by a judge of the circuit court (or by a judge appointed by the Florida
Supreme Court, in the case of the statewide grand jury). The grand jury is an
agency and an arm of the circuit court (or the Florida Supreme Court in the case of
the statewide grand jury) and is uniquely independent.
The grand jury is answerable to no person or agency of government except
the court that empanels it and, even then, only to the extent that it may exceed its
authority and privileges.
TERM OF THE GRAND JURY
At least two terms of court are held each year and once the grand jury is
empaneled, it will serve for the balance of the term of court. In exceptional cases,
- 20 -
its term may be extended. (The statewide grand jury's term is for a period of 12
months, but may be extended for up to 18 months.) The chief judge of each circuit
court orders the convening of the grand jury for a term of 6 months. Upon petition
of the state attorney or the foreperson of the grand jury acting on behalf of a
majority of the grand jurors, the circuit court may extend the term of a grand jury
beyond the term in which it was originally impaneled. A grand jury whose term
has been extended has the same composition and the same powers and duties it had
during its original term. If the term of the grand jury is extended, it shall be
extended for a time certain, not to exceed a total of 90 days, and only for the
purpose of concluding one or more specified investigative matters initiated during
its original term. The grand jury will not be in continuous session but will be called
in from time to time as necessary.
WHO ARE GRAND JURORS?
Grand jurors are United States citizens and legal residents of this state and
their respective counties who are at least 18 years of age and who possess a driver's
license or identification card issued by the Department of Highway Safety and
Motor Vehicles, or who execute an affidavit indicating a desire to serve as a juror.
All jurors are selected at random and their names are taken from lists
prepared by the clerk of the circuit court.
The process of selecting jurors is done in most counties by the county
commissioners and in some counties by a specially constituted jury commission.
The process of selecting the statewide grand jury is handled by the State Courts
Administrator for the Florida Supreme Court.
When making up the jury list, the officers compiling it are required to select
only citizens they believe to be law-abiding, and of proven integrity, good
character, sound judgment and intelligence, and who are not mentally infirm.
DISQUALIFICATION TO SERVE AS A
GRAND OR PETIT JUROR
Any person who has been convicted of a felony or bribery, forgery, perjury,
or larceny is disqualified to sit as a juror, unless his or her civil rights have been
restored.
A person under prosecution for any crime is disqualified.
Most government officials are disqualified to serve on a jury. An elected
public official is not eligible to be a grand juror.
- 21 -
FREQUENTLY USED WORDS AND PHRASES
Throughout this handbook and during your term as a grand juror certain
terms will occur frequently. Some of these are:
Capital Crime. A capital crime is any crime for which the maximum
punishment is death.
Circuit Court. The State of Florida is divided into 20 judicial "circuits." Each
circuit covers one or more counties. The circuit court is the highest trial court in
the circuit.
Defendant. A "defendant" is a person who has been accused of a crime and
is defending himself or herself in a court against the criminal charge. The words
"defendant" and "accused" are used interchangeably.
Felony. A "felony" is any crime which is punishable by imprisonment in a
state penitentiary for a term in excess of one year. A "misdemeanor" is any crime
which is punishable by imprisonment in a county correctional facility for a term of
not more than one year.
Indictment; True Bill. A "true bill" is a charge brought by the grand jury
accusing a person of a crime. A true bill, when it is filed in court, then becomes an
"indictment."
Judge. The judge presiding over the trial is often called or referred to as "the
court."
No True Bill. A "no true bill" is a finding by the grand jury that on a given
charge no indictment should be filed.
Presentment. A "presentment" is a presentation to the court of a grand jury's
report of its actions and recommendations.
State Attorney. Each circuit in the State of Florida has a "state attorney"
who, together with assistants, prosecutes all crimes and offenses in the circuit and
county courts in the circuit. Some other states refer to this officer as a "district
attorney" or "prosecuting attorney."
Statewide Prosecutor. The statewide prosecutor is appointed by the Attorney
General of the State of Florida to investigate and prosecute certain multi-circuit
criminal activity.
GRAND JURY AND PETIT JURY DISTINGUISHED
There are two kind of juries: grand juries and petit juries.
- 22 -
The grand jury consists of not fewer than 15 nor more than 21 (or 18 for
statewide grand jury) members. A petit jury, depending upon the type of trial,
consists of either 6 or 12 members.
The grand jury and the petit jury have entirely different purposes and
functions. A petit jury actually tries a case and renders a verdict of guilty or not
guilty after hearing both sides. A grand jury does not try a case on the issue of guilt
or innocence. The grand jury rarely hears both sides. Its function is simply to hear
witnesses as to a charge of crime, by the State, and to determine whether the
person, or persons, so charged should be brought to trial. The grand jury has been
called both a sword and shield of justice — a sword because it is a terror to
criminals, a shield because it is protection of the innocent against unjust
prosecution.
The tremendous power of the grand jury obviously creates grave and solemn
responsibilities to see that these powers are not perverted or abused. A grand jury,
being possessed with these tremendous powers and unless motivated by the highest
sense of justice, might find indictments not warranted by the evidence and thus
become a source of oppression to the citizenry.
Conversely, a misguided grand jury might dismiss charges against those who
should be prosecuted. The importance of the grand jury's power is emphasized by
the fact that it is one of the most independent bodies known to the law.
HISTORY OF THE GRAND JURY
The grand jury originated more than seven centuries ago in England. It was
recognized in the Magna Charta granted by King John of England upon the
demand of the people in 1215 A.D. Its present form evolved in the period 1327 to
1377. Its origins can be traced back even further. As early as 997 A.D., a Danish
king, "Ethelred the Unready," charged an investigative body of his reign that it
should go about its duty by accusing no innocent person, and sheltering no guilty
one.
This high principle is echoed in the oath that you took as a grand juror:
"You, as grand jurors for _____ County (or the statewide grand jury) do
solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will diligently inquire into all matters put in
your charge and you will make true presentments of your findings; unless ordered
by a court, you will not disclose the nature or substance of the deliberations of the
grand jury, the nature or substance of any testimony or other evidence, the vote of
the grand jury, or the statements of the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor);
you shall not make a presentment against a person because of envy, hatred, or
- 23 -
malice, and you shall not fail to make a presentment against a person because of
love, fear, or reward. So help you God."
The early colonists brought the grand jury system to this country from
England. It has been with us ever since. It is recognized in the Constitution of the
United States and in the Constitution of Florida.
(The Statewide Grand Jury was created in 1973 to "strengthen the grand jury
system and enhance the ability of the State to detect and eliminate organized
criminal activity by improving the evidence gathering process in matters which
transpire or have significance in more than one county." Section 905.32, Florida
Statutes.)
THE GRAND JURY AS AN ACCUSING
AND INVESTIGATING BODY
Our constitution provides that no person shall be brought to trial for a capital
crime except upon indictment of a grand jury. This means that no one may be
prosecuted for a capital crime except by a vote of the grand jury. Except for capital
crimes, the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) may initiate all other
criminal charges. The grand jury of course may indict for any crime that the
evidence justifies.
The wisdom of leaving to the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) the
bringing of charges as to crimes less than capital crimes and traffic violations is
readily apparent. If the grand jury was required to initiate the prosecution of less
serious crimes through indictment, the grand jury would be so overwhelmed with
complaints that it could not perform its more important duties.
Charges of crime may be brought to your attention in several ways: by the
court; by the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor); from personal knowledge
brought to your body by any member of the grand jury; and, lastly, by private
citizens who have a right to be heard by a grand jury in formal session and with the
grand jury's consent. The bulk of the grand jury's work probably will be concerned
with cases brought to its attention by the state attorney (or the statewide
prosecutor). In most instances a person being considered for indictment by the
grand jury will have been held preliminarily on a charge brought before a judge
sitting as a committing magistrate, who bound that person over for action by the
grand jury. The accused will be either in custody or on bail. Your action, therefore,
should be reasonably prompt in either voting an indictment as to the charge or
returning a "no true bill."
- 24 -
The grand jury should consult with the state attorney (or the statewide
prosecutor) or an assistant state attorney (or the assistant statewide prosecutor) in
advance of undertaking a formal investigation on the grand jury's own initiative.
A grand juror may not be subject to partisan secret influences. Consequently,
no one has the right to approach a juror in order to persuade that juror that an
indictment should or should not be found. Any individual who wishes to be heard
by the grand jury should be referred to the state attorney (or the statewide
prosecutor) or to the foreperson of the grand jury, and thereafter be heard only in
formal session of the grand jury.
It is imperative that you always keep in mind that as a grand juror you are a
public official, with the duty of protecting the public by enforcing the law of the
land. Therefore, even though you may think a certain law to be unduly harsh or
illogical, that should not influence your judgment in carrying out your duties as a
grand juror. A citizen has the right to endeavor to change the law. A grand juror,
being a public official, has a duty to enforce the law as it exists despite any
personal inclinations to the contrary.
The grand jury in addition to the duty of formally indicting those charged
with crime has the further important duty of making investigations on its own
initiative, which it will report as a "presentment." This duty permits investigation
of how public officials are conducting their offices and discharging their public
trusts. The grand jury may investigate as to whether public institutions are being
properly administered and conducted. It has the power to inspect those institutions
and, if necessary, may call before the grand jury those in charge of the operations
of public institutions as well as any other person who has information and can
testify concerning them. If the grand jury finds that an unlawful, improper, or
corrupt condition exists, it may recommend a remedy.
The grand jury may not act arbitrarily. Investigations shall not be based upon
street rumor, gossip, or whim, and the investigations cannot be the subject of a
grand jury presentment. The grand jury can only investigate those matters that are
within its jurisdiction, geographic and otherwise. The limitations of the grand jury's
jurisdiction have been set forth for you by the court in its instructions.
It is important to keep in mind that no individual should be unjustly
criticized or held up to scorn or public resentment, particularly when it is
remembered that the individuals who may be criticized had no opportunity to
defend themselves or give reply to the charges. A grand juror must keep in mind
that the grand jury is the ultimate instrument of justice and should never be
subverted to become the vehicle for harassment or oppression.
- 25 -
OFFICERS OF THE GRAND JURY
The judge who presided over the impaneling of the grand jury in the "charge
to the grand jury" advised you formally and in great detail as to how the grand jury
is organized and functions. In summary, the grand jury consists of 15 but no more
than 21 members. Its officers are the foreperson, who will preside over the grand
jury deliberations to make sure they are carried on in an orderly fashion including
overseeing the examination of the witnesses; a vice-foreperson, who will preside in
the absence of the foreperson or if for any reason the foreperson is not able to carry
out his or her duty; and the clerk, who will keep a record of the proceedings had
before the grand jury and formally make return of these records to the clerk of the
circuit court (or clerk of the Supreme Court in the case of the statewide grand jury)
for safekeeping. The foreperson and vice-foreperson are appointed by the judge
and the clerk is appointed by the foreperson (or in the case of the statewide grand
jury, may be selected by the group). The state attorney (or the statewide
prosecutor) or assistant state attorneys (or assistant statewide prosecutors) will act
as the legal advisers to the grand jury. The grand jury also will be provided an
official court reporter or recorder to record the testimony before the grand jury.
If the grand jury has its own budget, a treasurer of the grand jury may also
be appointed to keep account of all receipts and disbursements made to or from the
grand jury budget.
If any question should arise concerning how the grand jury shall operate or
function, you may apply to the judge, who will advise you.
PROCEDURES
Not less than 15 members of a grand jury must always be present to
constitute a quorum. If less than a quorum exists, the proceedings of the grand jury
must be halted until a quorum is present. Grand jurors, who, because of an
emergency, find that they will be unable to attend a grand jury session should
advise the grand jury clerk or foreperson immediately.
An affirmative vote of at least 12 members of the grand jury is necessary to
the return of a true bill or indictment. Therefore, even though a quorum is present it
still requires at least 12 votes of individual members, rather than a mere majority of
those present, in order to return a true bill.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GRAND JURY
Most of the work of the grand jury involves hearing witnesses and
determining the sufficiency of evidence on the issue of whether that evidence,
without regard to possible defenses, justifies indictment. Generally, the state
attorney (or statewide prosecutor) or assistant state attorneys (or assistant statewide
- 26 -
prosecutors) will present and explain the charge to the grand jury and advise as to
the witnesses who will be presented, either voluntarily or upon being summoned
on the request of the state attorney (or statewide prosecutor) or the grand jury
itself. The grand jury may call any witness it deems appropriate and necessary.
The witnesses will be called one by one and placed under oath to tell the
truth. Generally, the state attorney (or statewide prosecutor) will administer the
oath. This oath should be administered in a solemn, dignified, and deliberate
manner in order to impress upon the witness the seriousness of the situation and
the duty to be truthful. The state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) or assistant
state attorneys (or assistant statewide prosecutors) ordinarily will undertake to
question the witnesses first. If the foreperson, or any member of the grand jury
desires to do so, they then also may propound questions. It is suggested, however,
that any question first be submitted to the state attorney (or statewide prosecutor),
who will determine whether the question is appropriate.
Grand jurors should keep in mind that they are acting in a judicial capacity
and sitting in judgment of evidence before them. For this reason all questioning
should be done in a calm, impartial, and objective manner without indicating the
personal feelings of the person asking the questions.
Occasionally, a witness when brought before the grand jury refuses to testify
or answer questions. If this occurs, both the question the witness has refused to
answer and the fact of refusal should be carefully recorded. The matter then should
be brought before the court, with a complete copy of the record, in order to obtain
from the court a ruling on whether the witness may be compelled to answer the
question. In most instances a refusal to answer is based upon the claim of the
witness that the answer will violate the constitutional right against self-
incrimination. If the answer does tend to incriminate the witness, the witness
cannot be made to answer. If it does not, however, the witness will be ordered to
answer under penalty of contempt.
An accused person cannot be compelled to testify before a grand jury
although one under investigation by the grand jury may appear voluntarily to
testify. In that event, however, the grand jury should proceed with great caution
and should not permit one under investigation to testify until after first conferring
with the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor). If an accused, or any person
under investigation, is permitted to testify before the grand jury without waiving
the constitutional right against self-incrimination, any indictment or presentment
would be null and void.
It is clear that the matter of forcing a witness to testify or of giving the
accused an opportunity to testify raises complicated legal questions. The advice of
- 27 -
the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) and, when necessary, a ruling from
the court, therefore, always should be sought when these questions arise.
A witness is permitted to be represented before the grand jury by one
attorney. The attorney may be present for the purpose of advising and consulting
with the witness, but may not address the grand jurors, raise objections, or make
arguments. (This provision does not apply to proceedings of the Statewide Grand
Jury.)
DETERMINATION WHETHER TO RETURN AN
INDICTMENT OR A NO TRUE BILL
When the grand jury has heard all necessary or available witnesses and is
prepared to deliberate on the issue whether to indict or return a no true bill, the
foreperson must compel all persons to leave the grand jury room except the
members of the grand jury themselves. No other person is permitted in the grand
jury room during its deliberations, even including the state attorney (or the
statewide prosecutor), court reporter, and interpreter.
When the question of whether to indict or return a no true bill is presented,
all grand jurors have the right to comment on the evidence and to express their
views of the matter. Only when all members of the grand jury have expressed
themselves and each has been given the opportunity to be heard should a vote be
taken. A vote to return an indictment can be found only upon the affirmative vote
of at least 12 members of the grand jury.
Similar proceedings should be taken when the matter to be discussed is not a
criminal charge or indictment but a presentment, as noted above.
If all persons, except the grand jurors, are not removed from the grand jury
room during its deliberations, any indictment or presentment would be nullified.
THE STATE ATTORNEY (OR THE STATEWIDE PROSECUTOR)
AS LEGAL ADVISOR TO THE GRAND JURY
The court in its charge to the grand jury outlined the part that the state
attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) will play in assisting the grand jury. The
state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) will assume responsibility for
presenting witnesses and bringing testimony before the grand jury. The state
attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) is a public official and is entitled to the
confidence and cooperation of the grand jury.
It occurs sometimes, however, that even the best of advisors may be in error.
If a difference of opinion arises between the state attorney (or the statewide
- 28 -
prosecutor) and the grand jury and it cannot be resolved amicably, the matter
should be brought before the presiding judge for a ruling.
SECRECY OF GRAND JURY PROCEEDINGS
Secrecy as to all grand jury proceedings is of the utmost importance. This
includes not only the actions upon an indictment or a presentment but even the fact
that any such matter was considered, or any witness was called. It is only in this
manner that the grand jurors themselves can be protected from pressure by persons
who may be involved by the action of the grand jury. Secrecy also is the only
protection that a witness may have before a grand jury, which will protect the
witness from being tampered with or intimidated before testifying at the trial.
Further, secrecy may prevent one under indictment, or subject to indictment, from
escaping while the issue of indictment is under consideration. It also should be
remembered that secrecy may encourage witnesses to give the grand jury frankly
and candidly any knowledge they may have concerning crime or corruption.
Lastly, and of equal importance to all other consideration of secrecy, is the fact that
an innocent person who has been subjected to a charge but not indicted should be
protected from the embarrassment and disgrace attendant upon the making of a
charge before a grand jury.
The pledge of secrecy is paramount. It also is permanent.
A grand juror will not communicate to family, friends, associates, or anyone
concerning any matter that takes place in the grand jury room. The only time this
veil of secrecy may be lifted is by order of the court after a full hearing, and then
only in exceptional cases.
PROTECTION AND IMMUNITY OF GRAND JURORS
Grand jurors are fully protected from actions against them by being an
independent body answerable to no one except the court that empanels it. No
inquiry may be made to learn what grand jurors said or how they voted. The law
gives the grand juror complete immunity for official acts. There is only one
exception: if a grand juror testifies as a witness for the grand jury as to a
commission of a crime and that testimony is perjured, the juror could be
prosecuted for that perjury. This complete protection for the official acts obviously
is vital to the operation of the grand jury and points up that grand jurors should be
citizens of unquestionable integrity and high character.
ON BEING A GRAND JUROR —
SOME PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS
Attend all sessions of the grand jury. Your attendance should be regular and
on time. If you are unable to attend a session and wish to be excused, obtain
- 29 -
permission from the foreperson. The unexpected lack of a quorum could cause a
great loss of money, as well as the time of the jurors, the authorities, and the
witnesses. The public is depending on you.
Pay close attention to testimony given and the evidence presented.
Be courteous to the witnesses and your fellow jurors.
Fix the time and place of your meetings, keeping in mind the convenience of
the public and the witnesses as well as yourselves and the state attorney (and the
statewide prosecutor).
Do not interrupt until the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) has
finished questioning the witness. In all probability the evidence you are interested
in will be brought out by those questions.
Listen to the opinions of your fellow jurors, but maintain your own
independent viewpoint.
Be independent, but not obstinate.
Be absolutely fair. You are acting as a judge. You therefore must be guided
by your own good conscience and sense of justice.
All jurors have an equal voice in determining whether an indictment shall be
returned. Each of you has a right to state your reasons.
Do not remain silent when the case is under discussion and then, after a
decision has been made, criticize the acts of the grand jury.
A reckless grand jury is as bad as a weak grand jury.
Do not attempt to investigate matters beyond the province of the grand jury,
or merely because someone suggested an investigation.
Above all, refrain from discussing grand jury matters with fellow jurors
outside of the grand jury room.
Each juror has a duty and responsibility equal to yours. Each juror is entitled
to be satisfied with the evidence. If others wish to pursue a matter further, no effort
should be made to dismiss the witness or shut off proper discussion.
CONCLUSION
Your membership on the grand jury is an honor. You are one of the few
citizens who have been called upon to perform this service. Your service as a grand
juror will be a source of pride and satisfaction to you if you devote to it the
responsible participation and dedicated service that the grand jury is entitled to
expect from its members.
- 30 -
Comment
The grand jury handbook was initially approved in 1981. It was amended in
1991, in June 2002, and September 2005, and 2014.
FLORIDA GRAND JURY INSTRUCTIONS
The Supreme Court Committee
On Standard Jury Instructions
In Criminal Cases
- 31 -
1 PRELIMINARY STATEMENTS
1.1 LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, the oath you have just taken now
constitutes you the grand jury for __________ (county) (or the statewide
grand jury) for this term of court. Your term begins today and will
continue through the (date). You will not be expected to remain in
continuous session, but you will be called from time to time when
circumstances require your consideration. Your immediate duty will be
to consider those matters to be presented to you at this time.
1.2 It is my duty to instruct you concerning your duties and it is your duty
to follow these instructions as you understand them.
1.3 Your duties are those of an investigative body. You are authorized to
inquire into and investigate both criminal and civil matters. You should
be fully aware at all times of the enormous power vested in the grand
jury. This power carries with it the profound responsibility to see that it
is not abused. You are responsible only to the court.
1.4 No duty of citizenship is more important than service as a grand juror,
for no other group of citizens has the opportunity to make a more
valuable contribution to the administration of justice.
1.5 The grand jury system is of ancient vintage. History has proved its
effectiveness in regulating the affairs of free people. The seven hundred
years of its existence in its present form justifies it as a guardian of all
that is comprehended in the police power of the state.
1.6 You always should keep in mind that the grand jury is both a sword and
a shield… a sword because the power of the grand jury has a chilling
and deterrent effect on those who violate the law… it is a shield because
of its power and duty to protect the innocent against persecution.
1.7 Your service as a grand juror will be a satisfying and rewarding
experience for by it you will participate directly in the administration of
justice. You will have the opportunity, if circumstances justify it, to
inquire into, examine, and investigate not only violations of the criminal
- 32 -
law but all phases of the civil administration of government. You should
bring to your task your most wholehearted and conscientious efforts.
The grand jury is one of the keystones of democracy. Grand jurors
upon being called into service are expected to exercise their honest
convictions and best judgment in the administration of justice. The
grand jury operates freely, unhampered, and subject only to the
restraint fixed by the limitations and requirements of the law itself.
1.8 The importance of your work as a grand juror of this county (or the
statewide grand jury) and your grave responsibility must be realized by
each of you and be kept in mind during all of your investigations and
deliberations.
2 INSTRUCTIONS ON CRIMINAL MATTERS
2.1 The function of the grand jury in criminal matters is to investigate and
determine whether there is sufficient evidence to justify an indictment
against an accused.
2.2 It is not your province responsibility to try the case and determine the
guilt or innocence of the accused whether the accused is guilty or not
guilty, and you are not expected to do this.
2.3 The guilt or innocence of question of whether a person indicted by the
grand jury is guilty or not guilty is determined by a trial jury that will
be specially empaneled to try the case. The trial jury hears all the
evidence, on both sides, in an adversary proceeding under the
supervision of a trial judge. Upon the trial based upon the indictment
During the trial, the accused is entitled to be present and have the
assistance of counsel. and Aa verdict is rendered only after the accused
has had an opportunity to see and hear the witnesses, examine the
evidence, and have the case argued by counsel. The trial jury will be
charged by the trial judge on the law applicable to the case. These
safeguards are designed to protect and preserve the constitutional rights
of an accused.
2.4 Your duty is only to ascertain whether there is "probable cause" to
believe that a crime has been committed by the person so accused. If the
evidence is sufficient to constitute "probable cause," then it is your duty
to find what is known as a "true bill." If the grand jury does find a
"true bill" and it is properly returned in open court, it then becomes the
"indictment" on which the accused will be put to trial.
- 33 -
2.5 "Probable cause," which must be shown to your satisfaction before you
will be justified in returning a "true bill," is defined as a reasonable
ground of suspicion, supported by circumstances sufficiently strong in
themselves to warrant a cautious person in the belief that a particular
person is guilty of a particular crime.
2.6 You should vote to return a "true bill" if you find "probable cause"
that a crime has been committed and that the accused probably did
commit that crime There may be instances when it seems probable that
a crime has been committed and yet you feel that the accused is not
guilty or you have a strong doubt in your mind as to guilt. In those cases
you should vote not to return a "true bill," for in those cases you should
keep in mind that you have heard only one side of the case and have no
knowledge of the defendant's side of the case. Certainly, if there is
considerable doubt in your minds of the accused, then it cannot be
expected that the State could convince a trial jury of a defendant's guilt
beyond every reasonable doubt, when the State's case will be vigorously
attacked and the trial jury also will hear the defendant's story.
A state attorney (or a statewide prosecutor) will advise and counsel the
grand jury as its legal advisor and while you do not have to follow that
advice you should give it strong consideration. The state attorney (or the
statewide prosecutor) also will be in a position to advise whether other
evidence may be available at the time of trial if the accused is indicted.
2.7 When so justified it is your solemn duty to cause the accused person to
be indicted; likewise, when an indictment is not justified, it is equally
your solemn duty to clear the accused person by returning a "no true
bill."
2.8 Our state constitution provides that no person may be tried for a capital
crime except on presentment and indictment by a grand jury. A capital
crime is one that is punishable by death. Although you have the
authority to do so, the court recommends that a grand jury not
investigate criminal matters other than capital cases unless they are of
such public importance that they justify the additional time and expense
of investigation by the grand jury. Again, you should give weight to the
recommendations and advice of the state attorney (or the statewide
prosecutor) in the matters you are investigating; however, the final
decision rests with you. You should keep in mind, however, that the
state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) in most cases has thoroughly
investigated the case and will have the responsibility to prosecute the
- 34 -
indictments resulting from your investigation. The state attorney (or the
statewide prosecutor) has the duty to provide you not only the evidence
unfavorable to the person under investigation but also any matters
favorable to that person that are known; consequently, the state
attorney's (or the statewide prosecutor's) recommendations usually are
both practical and well-founded.
2.9 The grand jury should not cause any subpoena to be issued for a witness
nor permit any witness to appear before it without first consulting the
state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) or an assistant. This is in
order to avoid inadvertently giving immunity to a person who may be
subject to indictment.
2.10 The court recommends that the grand jury call witnesses and consider
evidence only in those matters that are under consideration for
presentment or indictment, and refrain from calling witnesses or
gathering evidence to be used in cases in which an indictment or
information has already been filed. You of course may continue with
any incomplete investigations, or call witnesses and consider evidence as
to any new charges against a person already indicted.
3 CIVIL INSTRUCTIONS
3.1 The grand jury is not limited to investigation of criminal matters. It has
broad powers to make inquiries into civil administration, regardless of
whether criminal or irregular conduct is charged. It has power to
investigate public offices to determine if they are being conducted
according to law and good morals. It also has power to investigate the
conduct of public affairs by public officials and employees, including the
power to inquire whether those officials are incompetent or lax in the
performance of their duties.
3.2 The grand jury should investigate every offense affecting the morals,
health, sanitation, and general welfare of the county. It should inquire
into matters of governmental administration, including county
institutions, buildings, offices, and officers, and, when appropriate,
make presentment concerning the physical, sanitary, and general
conditions.
3.3 You are cautioned, however, that a grand jury investigation shall not be
made the tool of any group in order to harass or oppress any individual
or institution or to pry into private affairs without good cause.
- 35 -
Indictments based on street rumors or common gossip will not be
permitted. No person should be singled out by the grand jury for the
purpose of censure or to hold them up to scorn or criticism by
imputation or innuendo. It is improper to make a presentment using
words of censure or reprobation so that a public official or any other
person is impugned or embarrassed, unless you return a "true bill."
3.4 This is not to say, however, that the grand jury may not make a fair
report on its findings even though the report incidentally may reflect
negligence or incompetence on the part of a public official. There are no
limitations on the grand jury telling the truth when circumstances
justify it. Grand jury investigations of civil matters and local
government are not uncommon. They are necessary and commendable
if they produce good results. The searching eye and inquiring mind of
the grand jury is an effective deterrent to evil and corruption; no officer
or agency of government is above or beyond the reach of the grand jury.
A public official or employee who conducts public work in a proper
manner has no reason to fear the grand jury, and if there are reasons to
do so, you should not hesitate to call any public official or employee
before you.
4 PROCEDURE
4.1 The officers of the grand jury are the foreperson and vice-foreperson,
both to be appointed by the court (or elected by the statewide grand jury
body), and the clerk, to be appointed by the foreperson.
DUTIES OF THE FOREPERSON: To preside over your sessions and
see that they are carried on in an orderly fashion; appoint your clerk at
your first session; be responsible for seeing that no person participating
in or advising the grand jury has any conflict of interest with the duties
of a grand juror; consult with the state attorney (or the statewide
prosecutor) concerning the scope, means, and method of the grand jury's
investigation; report to the court any grand juror who the foreperson
has reason to believe has violated the oath, duties, or responsibilities, or
who is subject to disqualification; sign all interim and final reports
approved by the grand jurors; return to the court a list of all witnesses
who shall have been sworn by the grand jury; and sign presentments
and indictments approved by the grand jurors.
- 36 -
DUTIES OF THE VICE-FOREPERSON: The vice-foreperson shall act
in the absence of the foreperson and perform all the duties incumbent
on the foreperson.
4.2 DUTIES OF THE CLERK. The clerk shall keep an attendance record
of the grand jurors present and absent at each session; keep minutes of
the proceedings at each session. The minutes shall reflect the subject
matter of the proceeding and the names of the witnesses testifying in
relation. The clerk shall record the aye and nay vote on each vote taken
by the grand jury, but by number only and not by the names of the
grand jurors. The clerk also shall sign all interim and final reports
approved by the grand jury.
(Give only if applicable.) This grand jury has had a special fund
budgeted for its use. The court will therefore appoint one of your
number treasurer of this grand jury. The treasurer shall keep accounts
of all receipts and disbursements of any funds received or disbursed by
the grand jury.
4.3 The state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) and assistants are your
legal advisers on all matters that come before the grand jury. It is your
duty to give weight and careful consideration to this advice. The state
attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) or an assistant shall be present at
all times when you are making investigations, and will interrogate the
witnesses and administer the necessary oaths.
The state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) will draft "true bills" for
the grand jury and will provide the means for the drafting of its
presentments.
4.4 Every grand jury shall consist of not less than 15 nor more than 21
persons. At least 15 of the jury must be present at all times when the
jury is functioning. A favorable vote of not less than 12 of those present
is necessary to the finding of any "true bill," presentment, or report.
(The Statewide Grand Jury shall be composed of 18 members of which
15 members shall constitute a quorum.)
4.5 It is within your discretion to recess from day to day and week to week
subject to the requirements of your duties. You are reminded, however,
that the your term of court is limited and the time within which you
may act likewise is limited. You therefore should attend to your duties
diligently and in as short a time as is compatible with the necessary
attention to the work to be done.
- 37 -
4.6 The testimony and statements of those appearing before the grand jury
will be recorded by stenographic or mechanical means. The court
reporters are officers of the court and are bound to secrecy when
serving the grand jury. The law requires that the notes, records, and
any transcriptions prepared by the court reporter be impounded and
sealed when your work is completed. The court reporter's notes may not
be transcribed unless ordered by the court or the grand jury itself, and
even after transcription they may not be inspected by any person other
than the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) and the grand jury,
except upon order of the court.
The decision to have a court reporter present during your sessions is to
be made by the grand jury after due consideration to the nature of the
work to be done, and it is recommended that the grand jury follow the
advice of the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) on this question.
4.7 If necessary, the grand jury is authorized to obtain the services of a
qualified interpreter of a foreign language. An interpreter will be
provided you upon request.
4.8 Bailiffs provided by the sheriff will be available to the grand jury as
needed.
4.9 It is the duty of the judges of this court not only to initially charge a
grand jury concerning its duties but also to be available at all
reasonable times to advise the grand jury in the event it becomes
necessary. If at any time during your term you feel it necessary, you
may call upon the court for any assistance it can render you.
4.10 This grand jury has a duty to cooperate with any other grand jury
investigations being conducted in this county or elsewhere in the state if
the administration of justice requires it, including making reports of
your investigation available to any subsequent grand jury of the county
(or the statewide grand jury).
5 DISQUALIFICATION OF A GRAND JUROR
5.1 A grand juror is disqualified from participating in an investigation of
any person to whom the grand juror is related by blood or marriage or
when a grand juror has a conflicting interest in any matter under
investigation by the grand jury. Grand jurors found to be disqualified
may excuse themselves or may be excused by the court, or a majority of
- 38 -
the grand jurors may vote to prohibit a juror's participation in the
investigation, deliberation, or voting.
The court should be promptly advised of the disqualification of any
juror.
6 DISQUALIFICATION OF STATE ATTORNEY (OR STATEWIDE
PROSECUTOR)
6.1 If the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) is disqualified from
advising and participating in the duties of the grand jury, the court will
appoint a special state attorney (or a special statewide prosecutor).
The state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) will counsel, assist, and
advise the grand jury; however, should any irreconcilable conflict arise
between the state attorney (or the statewide prosecutor) and the grand
jury, the court is available to assist in resolving the problems.
7 JURY FUNCTIONS ONLY AS A BODY
7.1 The grand jury functions and operates only as a whole body. No
individual or group of grand jurors may make, or attempt to make, any
independent investigation whatsoever.
7.2 The law provides that, if a grand juror knows or has reason to believe
that an indictable offense triable in this county has been committed, the
juror shall declare that fact to the other jurors for investigation.
Individually, a juror may receive information but that information shall
be reported immediately to the foreperson or the state attorney (or the
statewide prosecutor) for investigation if it is of interest to the grand jury
or relevant to its investigations.
8 CHILD LABOR, ELECTION, SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES LAWS
8.1 CHILD LABOR LAW: The law requires that the court specifically
charge the grand jury, and you are now charged, to investigate any
alleged violation of the child labor laws of the state.
8.2 ELECTIONS: If requested by any candidate or qualified voter, the
grand jury, if it convenes during a campaign period preceding an
election day, shall investigate to determine if there are any violations of
- 39 -
the election code. A "true bill" shall be returned if grounds exist for
same.
8.3 SUBVERSIVE ACTIVITIES LAW: The subversive activities laws of
this state make it unlawful for any subversive organization or foreign
subversive organization to exist or function in the State of Florida. The
court charges you that, if you have any information or belief concerning
violation of the subversive activities laws, you will report the
information to the court immediately. You are further charged that, if
circumstances make it appropriate, you will inquire into the violation of
the subversive activities laws and may inquire generally into the
purposes, processes, and activities or other matter affecting communists
or any related or other subversive organization.
9 OATH
9.1 The court would now like to emphasize the importance of the oath that
each of you has just taken. The oath is prescribed by law and contains
in simple terms the solemn obligation by which you are bound, and
which you must observe in every respect. It contains no unnecessary
words. It means exactly what it says.
9.2 The oath, in part, is that "You, as grand jurors for __________ County
(or statewide prosecutor) do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will
diligently inquire into all matters put in your charge and you will make
true presentments of your findings; unless ordered by a court, you will
not disclose the nature or substance of the deliberations of the grand
jury, the nature or substance of any testimony or other evidence, the
vote of the grand jury, or the statements of the state attorney (or the
statewide prosecutor)."
9.3 The importance of this part of the oath binding you to secrecy cannot be
over-emphasized. I now charge you that you shall not under any
circumstances discuss the matters to be kept secret unless you are
released by court order. Your vote shall never be known; the opinion
expressed by any of you on any matter before the grand jury shall never
be made known; and the testimony given before you shall not be made
known except by order of court. This secrecy is binding upon you for all
time.
9.4 The oath concludes as follows:
- 40 -
"You shall not make a presentment against a person because of envy,
hatred, or malice, and you shall not fail to make a presentment against a
person because of love, fear, or reward. So help you God."
9.5 The oath, like the grand jury system itself, is of ancient vintage. It is in
substance the same oath as was administered to grand juries under the
common law. It is near perfect. It contains the rules and high standards
of fearless and impartial justice that will govern you in your service as
the grand jury of this county (or statewide grand jury). Its solemn dictates
are as appropriate today as they have been in the long past.
10 CONCLUSION
10.1 The instructions you have just been given constitute the general charges
that are given to the grand jury as to its duties, responsibilities, and
procedures. You are admonished to give careful and serious
consideration to all phases of all parts of the charge. You are to follow
these charges, and having done so you should act according to the
dictates of your own conscience and only in the best interest of the
citizens of this county (or the state).
11 APPOINTMENT
11.1 The court appoints __________ as foreperson, and __________ as vice-
foreperson, or in the case of the statewide grand jury, authorizes you as
a group to select your foreperson and vice-foreperson. The foreperson
will appoint the clerk and advise the clerk of the circuit court (or
Supreme Court) of the clerk's name so that it may be entered in the
minutes of the court. You may now retire to the grand jury room and
commence your labor to begin your work.
Comment
The grand jury instructions were initially approved in 1981. They
were revised in 1991 and amended in June 2002, and September 2005, and
2014.
- 41 -