Houston crime victim’s advocate Kim Ogg applauds the Texas legislature for trying to change the grand jury system, calling the current system ripe for abuse by both Judges and the District Attorney’s Office.
The grand jury reform bill passed by the legislature now awaits the signature by Governor Greg Abbott.
Ogg was the only candidate in last year’s race for Harris County District Attorney willing to publicly call for reform.
“Random selection of grand jurors will increase the number of ordinary people asked to review police shootings and other felony crimes and it is an important first step towards making our justice system fairer,” says Ogg.
By a vote of 86-57 the Texas House approved Houston Bill 2150 that will allow judges to seat grand juries based on random selection, like they do for regular juries. The Senate approved the bill in final form last weekend as well. Ogg says, “Justice demands an impartial review of the evidence at the front door of the system, not just the back door. Random selection of grand jurors insures a broader cross section of the community will have the chance to review cases and determine who gets charged with a crime and who doesn’t, instead of limiting grand jury service to those who know the judge.”
“I have spent my career fighting for justice,” says Ogg. “The criminal justice system has to be tough on real criminals but it also must be fair to all accused. “This is a start, but we still have a lot more left to do to ensure equal justice.”
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