In attempt to keep Eric Garner records sealed, prosecutors point to former Brooklyn D.A.’s failed effort
Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan Jr. is fighting against efforts to open the grand jury minutes in the Eric Garner case, citing centuries-old legal doctrine that supports the secrecy of grand jury records.
Donovan also used a prior effort by a past Brooklyn D.A. who went against standing legal doctrine and petitioned the court to unseal protected grand jury records in a time when the city and Brooklyn, as is the feeling today, was on the verge of unrest. The Brooklyn attempt — which ultimately failed — serves as an example of the strength of grand jury secrecy laws, Donovan argued.
Later this month, Donovan and public interest groups will face off in a court hearing regarding whether or not a judge should disregard New York grand jury secrecy laws and release the records in the public’s interest.