Judges Deny DOJ Requests to Unseal Jeffrey Epstein Grand Jury Records
Federal judges denied Justice Department requests to unseal Jeffrey Epstein's grand jury materials, citing hearsay and the DOJ's existing extensive files, effectively ending their release.
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Overview
- Federal judges, including Judge Richard Berman, have consistently denied the Justice Department's requests to unseal grand jury materials concerning Jeffrey Epstein's case.
- The denials are based on reasons like the transcripts containing hearsay from an FBI agent and no applicable exceptions to grand jury secrecy rules.
- Judge Berman highlighted that the Justice Department already holds significant Epstein files, suggesting they should release those instead of seeking grand jury records.
- This judicial decision effectively halts the release of these specific grand jury materials, despite considerable public interest and pressure from the Trump administration.
- Separately, the House Oversight Committee has subpoenaed the Justice Department for investigative files, intending to release documents obtained through this process.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover the denial of the DOJ's request to unseal Epstein grand jury transcripts by focusing on the judge's detailed reasoning, including the high legal bar and the existing 'trove' of documents. They provide comprehensive context, such as the DOJ's shifting stance on transparency and related political reactions, without employing loaded language or selective emphasis.
"The decision on Wednesday marks the third and final time a federal judge has denied the Trump administration's request to unseal grand jury materials related to Epstein."
ABC News"The grand jury material is "merely a hearsay snippet of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged conduct.""
CBS News"The judge wrote that it would be more logical for the government to directly release the vast amount of information it has collected from its investigation into Epstein than to petition the court to release the more limited grand jury materials, whose secrecy is protected by law."
USA TODAY"The grand jury testimony is merely a hearsay snippet of Jeffrey Epstein's alleged conduct."
Reason"The judge said another factor in his decision was “possible threats to victims’ safety and privacy.”"
NBC News"Berman’s decision forecloses the possibility of grand jury testimony being released now that three judges have reached the same conclusion."
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