The grand jury found there was no probable cause to charge Wilson, who is white, with any crime for the shooting of 18-year-old Brown, an incident that highlighted longstanding racial tensions in the predominantly black city, which has a white-dominated power structure.
Some answers to common questions about the grand jury
What was the grand jury deciding?
The grand jury considered whether there is enough evidence to charge Wilson with a crime and, if so, what that charge should be.
How was the grand jury different from other juries?
The grand jury can determine only whether probable cause exists to indict Wilson, not whether he is guilty. If the jury indicts him, a separate trial jury will be seated to decide whether to convict or acquit him.
How many people were on the grand jury and how were they selected?
The grand jury was composed of 12 people “selected at random from a fair cross—section of the citizens,” according to Missouri law. The jurors, whose identities were kept secret, were 75 per cent white - six white men, three white women, two African American women and one African American man. St. Louis County overall is 70 per cent white, but about two-thirds of Ferguson’s residents are African American. Brown was African American. The officer is white.
Was the grand jury appointed for this specific case?
No. It was appointed for a four-month term. The grand jury had been hearing routine cases around the time Brown was killed and then turned its attention to the shooting.
The jury’s term was due to expire Sept. 10. That same day, Judge Carolyn Whittington extended the term to Jan. 7 the longest extension allowable by state law. The investigation was always expected to go longer than the typical grand jury term.
How often did the grand jurors meet?
Their normal schedule was to meet once a week.
Who was inside the grand jury room?
The jury, a prosecutor and a witness. Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public.
What happened when the grand jury convened?
Prosecutors presented evidence and summoned witnesses to testify. A grand jury is a powerful tool for investigating crimes because witnesses must testify unless they invoke the 5th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which protects against self—incrimination.
Typically, grand jurors hear a condensed version of the evidence that might be presented at a trial. In the Ferguson case, grand jurors are receiving more extensive evidence and testimony.
Who testified to the grand jury?
The only witnesses known for certain to have testified were Wilson and Dr. Michael Baden, who performed a private autopsy on Brown on behalf of his family. But other witnesses and experts may also have appeared.
What charges could be filed?
At the lower end is second—degree involuntary manslaughter, which is defined as acting with criminal negligence to cause a death. It is punishable by up to four years in prison.
First—degree involuntary manslaughter, defined as recklessly causing a death, is punishable by up to seven years in prison. Voluntary manslaughter, defined as causing a death “under the influence of sudden passion arising from adequate cause,” is punishable by five to 15 years in prison. Second—degree murder is defined as knowingly causing a death, or acting with the purpose of causing serious physical injury that ends up resulting in death. It is punishable by life in prison or a range of 10 to 30 years.
The most serious charge, first—degree murder, can be used only when someone knowingly causes a death after deliberation and is punishable by either life in prison or lethal injection.
Do charges require a unanimous vote?
No. Consent from nine jurors is enough to file a charge in Missouri. The jury could also choose not to file any charges.
Can jurors speak to the public?
No. Disclosing evidence, the name of a witness or an indictment can lead to a misdemeanor charge.
What will be publicly disclosed when grand jurors reach a decision?
If Wilson is charged, the indictment will be made public, but the evidence will be kept secret for use at a trial. If Wilson is not indicted, St. Louis County prosecutor Bob McCulloch has said he will take the unusual step of releasing transcripts and audio recordings of the grand jury investigation.
What preparations have been made?
Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard to help state and local police in case of civil unrest. At least one school district called off classes for Monday and Tuesday. Police have undergone training pertaining to protesters’ constitutional rights and have purchased more equipment, such as shields, helmets, smoke canisters and rubber bullets.
