In re Concerning The State Grand Jury

The Attorney General of New Jersey announced the formation of the Clergy Abuse Task Force to investigate allegations of sexual abuse by clergy within the Catholic dioceses of New Jersey and present evidence to a state grand jury. The Diocese of Camden challenged the grand jury’s authority to issue a presentment on clergy abuse, arguing that such a presentment was not authorized by law. The court held Article I, Paragraph 8 of the New Jersey Constitution authorizes grand juries to issue presentments, which enable grand juries to voice the conscience of the community and bring matters that relate to public affairs and conditions to the public’s attention. It was premature for the trial court to conclude that any potential grand jury presentment relating to allegations of sexual abuse by members of the clergy had to be suppressed, and the State had a right to proceed with its investigation and empanel a special grand jury relating to allegations of sexual abuse by members of the clergy, the court said.