112 Iowa 484 | Iowa | 1900
The only question presented on this appeal is the one raised by the motion to quash the indictment. As to this matter the facts appear to be that Minnie McNeley and her father were summoned to appear as witnesses before the grand jury. Minnie McNeley was very nervous and fearful about appearing before that tribunal, and, on her father’s request he was permitted to be present during the time she gave her testimony. There is no showing that he did or said anything to influence the witness, or that defendant was in any manner prejudiced, otherwise than by McNeley’s presence in the room. The secrecy of proceedings by the grand jury is for the benefit' of the state, and not of the defendant. It was long the practice in England to admit the private prosecutor to their room during the-* investigation of the charge which he had preferred. Thompson & Merriam Juries, section 629. Section 5319 of the Code, however, provides that it is a ground for setting aside the indictment that “any person other than the grand jurors was present before the grand jury during the investigation of the charge except as required or permitted by law.” Section 5265 permits the county attorney to be present during the sessions of that body, but forbids him or any other person being present when deliberation is had or vote taken up on the finding of an indictment. Section 52GY enjoins secrecy upon all members of the grand jury. We find no other provisions of the Code bearing’ upon the question before us. Nowhere is it expressly stated that third persons may not be present when witnesses are giving testimony, if the grand jury sees fit to admit them. We may, however, accept section 5319 as prohibiting the presence of all third persons except “as required or permitted by law.” John McNeley