Texas House Bill HJR112

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Proposing a constitutional amendment to change the composition of the grand jury.

Impact

If enacted, HJR112 would significantly alter the existing framework outlined in the Texas Constitution. The reduction of grand jury members is a notable shift that could reshape how juries fulfill their role in the justice system. Advocates of the amendment argue that it will enhance efficiency and accessibility, potentially leading to quicker judicial processes without compromising the integrity of legal proceedings. By simplifying grand jury operations, the bill could decrease delays in the judicial process, which is often hindered by unmanageable jury sizes and the complexities that come with them.

Summary

HJR112 proposes a constitutional amendment to change the composition of grand juries in Texas. This joint resolution aims to reduce the number of persons required on grand juries from nine to three, establishing that each county's grand jury shall consist of three members instead of the traditional larger panel. The proposed change intends to simplify the grand jury system and is part of a broader examination of efficiency within the judicial process. With two members needed to constitute a quorum, the measure seeks to ensure that grand jury functions are not bogged down by excessive personnel, thereby allowing for more streamlined operations.

Contention

Conversations surrounding HJR112 may reveal a spectrum of opinions, particularly regarding justice and representation concerns. Detractors may argue that reducing the size of grand juries could undermine the jury's ability to thoroughly deliberate and evaluate cases, potentially leading to miscarriages of justice. Those opposed to the amendment may express fears that smaller juries might not adequately represent the diverse perspectives and experiences of the community, leading to imbalanced outcomes. As with any proposed changes to constitutional provisions, the debate is likely to pivot around the balance between efficiency in legal proceedings and the foundational principles of justice and representation.

Electoral process

The constitutional amendment proposed by HJR112 is set to be submitted to voters at an election on November 3, 2015. This voter referendum process allows the citizens of Texas to voice their opinion on the proposed changes, emphasizing the democratic nature of constitutional amendments. If the public supports the bill, it will be enshrined in the Texas Constitution, marking a significant shift in the state's legal structure regarding grand jury composition.