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Nebraska counties inconsistent on providing record of grand jury findings

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A Lee Enterprises, Incorporated newspaper. Majority shareholder: David Hoffmann, Hoffmann Media Group.

Editor's Pick Topical Alert

SHINING A SPOTLIGHT

Nebraska counties inconsistent on providing record of grand jury findings

Sen. Ernie Chambers

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers led an effort that lifted the veil of secrecy grand juries have operated behind for centuries. 

GWYNETH ROBERTS, Journal Star file photo

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Chris Dunker | Lincoln Journal Star

The high-profile killings of several African Americans by police — and subsequent refusal of grand juries to indict the officers involved — sparked mass protests in 2014 and 2015 and led several states to propose reforms to the secretive court process.

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An example of a letter the Journal Star sent to county clerks.

Lincoln Journal Star

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Grand jury clears officer, provides new details about Chick-fil-A fatal shooting

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First challenge of grand jury law came after Omaha officers charged in death

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Grand jury's recommendations for changes not always shared

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Troy Hawk

Jordan Pascale | Lincoln Journal Star

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State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks

Courtesy photo

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Reach the writer at 402-473-7120 or cdunker@journalstar.com.

On Twitter @ChrisDunkerLJS

ABOUT THE PROJECT

Every year, Sunshine Week in mid-March celebrates open government or shines a light on government secrecy. Journalists from across the country write stories to highlight transparency — or lack thereof — in their state or community.

Months ago, Journal Star reporters Chris Dunker and Lori Pilger launched a project to find out how Nebraska’s 93 counties were interpreting a state law passed in 2016 that required courts to allow public access to grand jury reports about police in-custody deaths, including transcripts and exhibits.

Stories in the project include how the grand jury ruled in a case involving a man shot to death after a disturbance at a Lincoln Chick-fil-A; how counties responded to the Journal Star’s requests; the efforts by some government officials to keep the records secret; and what happens to recommendations made by the grand juries for new policies or practices.

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Sen. Ernie Chambers

Omaha Sen. Ernie Chambers led an effort that lifted the veil of secrecy grand juries have operated behind for centuries. 

An example of a letter the Journal Star sent to county clerks.

Troy Hawk

State Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks

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