Originally Posted by NOLA54
"These same 5 players are saying they disagree with the fact-based decision of a 12-member grand jury's decision, which is a fundamental principal of our government."
By law the prosecutor (who represent the people) is to present just enough evidence to show cause to indict. This prosecutor's minions presented the case as if they were defending Darren Wilson. They allowed him to testify, which is highly unusual. Wilson was not cross examined while other eyewitnesses were. In the paperwork presented to the Grand Jury Wilson was listed as the victim & Michael Brown as the suspect. This is totally opposite of what they are to do. Why wasn't Wilson's gun tested for palm or finger prints based on his testimony of Brown grabbing his gun? Too many questions about the entire process.
Here in Colorado when JonBenet Ramsey was murdered in her home the jury decided to indict her parents but the prosecutor declined to follow up.
I'd be interested in where you get the 411 on exactly what type/how evidence was/was not presented to the Ferguson grand jury. Not in argument, but because everything about a grand jury is usually cloaked in secrecy. If it's just from doing google-search on 'ferguson grand jury', I'd have to recommend taking those media reports with a grain-of-salt and not necessarily verbatim. Without actually sitting on a grand jury, I don't think you can second-guess how they arrived at their decision, but instead focus on the decision itself.
Anyway, what I get from your post is that it's the responsibility of a grand jury to indict regardless? That the prosecutor is to present only such evidence that would show cause to indict? Is that what we would consider due process? My understanding of a grand jury is that it can also be used as an investigative body to determine if any/all evidence warrants bringing an indictment in a particular case/matter. From the opinions I've seen offered by the legal community on the preponderance of evidence, bringing this to trial would have been a waste of taxpayer's dollars in that any basic defense attorney would be able to shred the State's case. It was
"damned if you do, damned if you don't" and the end result would have been the same ... Ferguson in flames,

. The Brown's can have their day in court ... civil court, not the court-of-public-opinion and not at taxpayer's expense. IMO, the prosecutor did his job & the system is working as it should.
In regards to the "St Louis Five", as they're now affectionately referred to, I don't think anyone questions their right to disagree with the grand jury decision, but maybe more so with the venue and the way they chose to do it. It smacks of sensationalism, self-aggrandizing and is really just plain inflammatory.
Less than one-half-of-one-percent of young black male homicides are committed by law enforcement officials. Think about that for a minute.
Less than one-half-of-one-percent. For this we loot, burn and grandstand, yet remain silent on the 99.5%. There's gotta' be a better way.
"With great power comes great responsibility" ~ Stan Lee. Yeah, I'm quoting Spiderman,

. These guys hold a position of power and stature in the black community. Instead of using their powers for good & healing their community, they choose to pour gas on an already volatile situation. It's a shame, because these guys have so much leadership potential in which to empower their communities but choose instead to disrupt for whatever personal reasons, :shrug: ... seen it all too often and on much lesser levels.
I'd of been much more impressed if they had directed their energies towards another popular Ferguson campaign: