Criminal matters presented for the consideration of the grand jury come from several sources, mainly from magistrates or justices by binding or committing accused persons; those matters to which the attention of the grand jury is called by the court; matters presented by the state's attorney; from coroner's proceedings; and matters within the knowledge of the grand jurors themselves.21 The grand jury make reports of their findings to the court from time to time during their deliberations, suiting their convenience. All indictments found by them must be returned and presented to the court - in open court,22 and if the record of the court fails to show that an indictment was returned by the grand jury in open court, it will be of no force.23

17 Hughes' Cr. Law, Sec. 6494;

State vs. Clough, 49 Me., 573; State vs. Fertig, 98 Iowa, 139.

18 State vs. Bates, 148 Ind., 610;

State vs. Brewster, 70 Vt., 341; Contra: State vs. Bowman, 90 Me., 363.

194 Blackstone Com., 302.

20 U. S. vs. Edgarton, 80 Fed., 374; State vs. Hamlin, 47 Conn., 95; Boone vs. People, 148 Ill., 440-449 (compelling accused to testify).