Grand Jury Civic Initiative ™
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A Letter to Our Visitors
The Grand Jury Civic Initiative ™ was not created to invent something new, but to help restore understanding of something long established in our nation’s civic design.
From the founding, Americans were intended to be active participants in self-government. One important expression of that responsibility was the grand jury — a local body of citizens meant to protect the community and serve as a safeguard between the people and the power they created. Over time, this civic role has largely faded from common knowledge and is rarely taught in modern civic education.
This initiative exists to address that gap through education alone. Its purpose is to present historical and constitutional material in a clear and responsible way, helping Americans understand the original role of the grand jury within our system of self-government.
The Grand Jury Civic Initiative does not claim authority, power, or control, nor does it seek confrontation or political action. Its aim is civic literacy — learning that encourages understanding, reflection, and respect for the rule of law.
My hope is not to be the sole voice on this subject, but to see many others learn, educate, and share this knowledge wisely. A system grounded in popular sovereignty depends on informed citizens and humility in its exercise.
This work is offered with gratitude and care, in service of understanding and the common good.
Penny Stephens — Educator and Guide
Grand Jury Civic Initiative ™
From the founding, Americans were intended to be active participants in self-government. One important expression of that responsibility was the grand jury — a local body of citizens meant to protect the community and serve as a safeguard between the people and the power they created. Over time, this civic role has largely faded from common knowledge and is rarely taught in modern civic education.
This initiative exists to address that gap through education alone. Its purpose is to present historical and constitutional material in a clear and responsible way, helping Americans understand the original role of the grand jury within our system of self-government.
The Grand Jury Civic Initiative does not claim authority, power, or control, nor does it seek confrontation or political action. Its aim is civic literacy — learning that encourages understanding, reflection, and respect for the rule of law.
My hope is not to be the sole voice on this subject, but to see many others learn, educate, and share this knowledge wisely. A system grounded in popular sovereignty depends on informed citizens and humility in its exercise.
This work is offered with gratitude and care, in service of understanding and the common good.
Penny Stephens — Educator and Guide
Grand Jury Civic Initiative ™
