What does a grand jury mean in all this ? For us who need a simple laymen's explanation on why

[lunasun]

this is a great sign on removing Trump . What happens now?
I'll be back later to see if anyone can have the heart to explain it to someone who doesn't have a clue like me. Thanks in advance. I know plenty here follow this closer than I do and know the procedures

[canetoad]

1. K&R

I'd like to know too.

[beachbum bob]

2. Grand jury is the first step in presenting evidence, taking testimony and

Issuing indictments. It's power is sweeping....

[no_hypocrisy]

3. A grand jury is empanelled to hear the charges of someone who broke a criminal law.

They hear all the evidence without the benefit of exculpating evidence (stuff that would neutralize or explain the bad stuff).

They take a vote. Sufficient votes means an indictment and criminal charges will be formally filed and a criminal trial will be held to determine guilt with a different panel of jurors.

[MoonRiver]

4. My understanding is that defense is not allowed to present evidence

to the GJ. Is that correct?

[marylandblue]

6. Correct.

[no_hypocrisy]

17. Yes, correct

[marylandblue]

5. Federal Grand Juries do three things

1. listen to evidence
2. issue subpoenas
3. issue indictments

Empanelling a grand jury now means that Mueller has enough evidence to do 1 and 2 that he believes will lead to 3. And unlike local prosecutors, who have to deal with every pickpocket, federal prosecutors only bother with important, strong cases.

[Skittles]

13. excellent

I love concise, logical explanations

[BigmanPigman]

7. On MSNBC they've been explaining it. Basically it is a name change

and is now a "special grand jury investigation" (no longer called the Mueller Investigation). It indicates the severity of the phase of the investigation. If they call you in to testify you don't have a choice and when you go you are alone and without your lawyer. If you are asked to testify they pretty much have you nailed already and they have the info to nail you. It is very scary and intimidating, especially for peers and co-workers workers who may have to testify themselves.

Mueller has entered a new phase with this and it will take a while but hat is because they are dotting their "i"so and crossing their "t"so. They want this so solid, complete and thorough and we have to be patient.

They are checking out the fake prez's finances and ties to Russia that was as well as collusion and also obstruction of justice.

They need to move to the larger location for all the space they need for the growing staff, all the documentation, special attorneys, the Grand Jury itself, and the people who testify need to be conveniently located as far as distance goes.

[dixiegrrrrl]

10. or bomb proof their current location. n/t

[Laura PourMeADrink]

18. Someone I heard said that he opted to be in DC for the anti-Trump jury pool - vs

potentially less favorable No VA

[Ms. Toad]

8. As a general rule,

with a competent prosecutor, grand juries result in criminal charges. It isn't guaranteed, but the procedure is relatively one-sided so it favors prosecution.

I would not be surprised if it was empaneled a bit early in this case, because of the threat that Trump will try to fire Mueller. The more framework in place, the harder to dismiss the process.

[pnwmom]

16. Maybe it's a bit early, but the FBI has been gathering evidence since last summer,

and CNN reported today that there's been a FISA warrant on Carter Page since 2014 (in addition to the previously reported FISA warrant on Alfa bank). So they've already had a year to sort through a lot of evidence.

And those are the only warrants we know about, but there could be others. Manafort, for example.

[msongs]

9. if called in you lose any consitutional rights to defend yourself. so nazi like nt

[uponit7771]

12. I'm hip, why in the hell would a defendant be involved in one?

[Chakaconcarne]

11. Wondering if they go through this route rather than collusion.....

Will we ever find out whether hackers switched votes?

[lunasun]

14. Maybe next time

[Laura PourMeADrink]

19. That should be the end result - too suspicious that he turned 3 states Hill

was ahead in. Stinks to high heaven

[lunasun]

15. Thank you all . Go get em prosecutors