A judge heard widely divergent views Wednesday about the consequences of revealing grand jury proceedings in the Eric Garner matter.

The Legal Aid Society, the New York Civil Liberties Union, New York City Public Advocate Letitia James and the New York Post insisted that a release could prompt grand jury reforms and enlighten the public's view of the criminal justice system. But the office of Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan Jr. argued disclosure would unleash dangerous precedents jeopardizing effective and fair prosecutions.

Acting Supreme Court Justice William Garnett made no ruling after hearing more than three hours of argument inside a packed Staten Island courtroom. The judge pressed both sides to elaborate or defend their assertions on whether there was a “compelling and particularized need” for disclosure.