Epstein victims and their families can force the Department of Justice to publicly release sealed grand jury materials without court approval or new legislation.

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Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 6(e) strictly protects grand jury secrecy to preserve the integrity of criminal investigations, protect innocent persons from unwarranted accusations, and encourage witnesses to testify freely. Only a federal judge can authorize disclosure of grand jury materials, and only under narrow exceptions: when required by court order for another criminal proceeding, when directed by statute, or when a court finds "particularized need" that outweighs secrecy interests. Epstein victims and their families cannot unilaterally compel DOJ to release grand jury records—they must petition a federal court to unseal materials, demonstrating compelling need and lack of alternative sources. Congress can also change disclosure rules by statute; lawmakers introduced bills in November 2025 requiring DOJ to release Epstein-related grand jury materials, building on the congressional release of nearly 23,000 pages of Epstein estate documents. When President Trump ordered AG Pam Bondi to investigate Epstein's ties on November 14, 2025, advocates and victims pressed for full transparency, including sealed files. However, DOJ cannot simply publish grand jury materials because the president or victims demand it—without court orders or new legislation, prosecutors would violate Rule 6(e) and face sanctions. The case teaches how the judiciary checks executive power: even though the president controls DOJ, courts control access to grand jury evidence. It also shows competing transparency interests: victims and the public want accountability, but grand jury secrecy protects investigative integrity and witness safety. Congress can resolve this tension by passing statutes requiring selective disclosure with redactions (protecting ongoing investigations and witness identities), balancing transparency with legal process. The Epstein investigation illustrates how victims can lobby Congress and petition courts, but cannot bypass judicial oversight to force DOJ disclosures.

Epstein victims and their families can force the Department of Justice to publicly release sealed grand jury materials without court approval or new legislation.

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