Grand Juries: An Overview
Understanding the Role of Grand Juries
A grand jury is a group of citizens empowered by law to investigate potential criminal conduct and determine whether criminal charges should be brought. It is a legal body comprised of laypeople that determines whether there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges to trial.
Composition and Selection
A grand jury typically consists of 12 to 23 individuals who are randomly selected from the community. They are sworn to secrecy and serve for a specific term, usually several months.
Investigative Process
The grand jury hears evidence from the prosecution, including witnesses and documents. They may also hear from the defendant, but the defendant does not have the right to be present during the grand jury proceedings.
The grand jury's task is to determine whether the prosecutor has provided sufficient evidence to establish probable cause that a crime has been committed. If the grand jury finds probable cause, they will issue an indictment, which is a formal charge that the defendant must answer in court.
Importance in the Criminal Process
Grand juries play an important role in the criminal process by ensuring that only those cases with sufficient evidence proceed to trial. They also protect citizens from being subjected to prosecution without a finding of probable cause.
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