Grand juries were initially an integral due process barrier from overzealous prosecution. Throughout the years, however, grand juries have been heavily tilted in favor of the prosecution, providing little protection to accused individuals. Right-sizing the grand jury system includes better access to counsel for accused individuals and greater transparency and checks on the state.
Will Voters Decide to Leave Austin?
Last year, the Texas Legislature passed a limited disannexation measure, House Bill 3053, that allows people unfairly captured by large cities during a particular time period to hold an election on the question of staying or leaving municipal control. The law was passed after concerns were raised that some cities had accelerated their involuntary annexation...