S 3405 · 95th Congress · Crime and Law Enforcement

Grand Jury Reform Act

Introduced 1978-08-14· Sponsored by Sen. Abourezk, James [D-SD]· Senate

Bill Progress

Introduced
2
Committee
3
Senate Vote
4
House
5
Enacted
Latest: Referred to Senate Committee on the Judiciary.(1978-08-14)

Plain Language Summary

[AI summary unavailable — showing source text] Grand Jury Reform Act - Entitles a witness who is accused of having unjustifiably withheld information in any proceeding before or ancillary to any court or grand jury of the United States to a hearing prior to being held in contempt and confined. Grants the right to counsel to such witness at a contempt hearing. Sets forth guidelines relative to such hearings and any subsequent confinement. Prohibits persons who are confined for refusing to testify before a grand jury about any transaction, from being later confined for a subsequent refusal to testify about such transaction. Establishes as a defense to contempt for refusal to testify or otherwise refusing to produce information, proof that the interrogation is based on, or is directly or indirectly derived from, an improper interception of any wire or oral communication. Specifies criminal penalties for disclosure of evidence introduced, statements made, or other matters occurring before a Federal grand jury by a person present at the grand jury proceedings. Exempts the following from such penalties: (1) disclosure to or by an attorney for the Government in the performance of his duties; (2) disclosure directed or permitted by the…

Summarized by Claude AI · Non-partisan · For informational purposes only