Grand Jury: Definition, Role, and Process

What is a Grand Jury?

A grand jury is a group of citizens who are sworn to investigate criminal cases and determine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. Grand juries are used in the United States in both federal and state courts.

The Role of a Grand Jury

The grand jury's role is to decide whether there is probable cause to believe that the accused person committed a crime. The grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence, but its decision can lead to the filing of criminal charges.

The Process of a Grand Jury

Grand jury proceedings are secret and held in closed session. The prosecutor presents evidence to the grand jury, and the grand jury decides whether to indict the accused person. An indictment is a formal accusation of a crime.

The grand jury votes on whether to indict the accused person. If at least 12 members of the grand jury vote in favor of an indictment, the accused person is charged with a crime and a trial will be held.

Importance of Grand Juries

Grand juries play an important role in the criminal justice system by ensuring that there is sufficient evidence to charge someone with a crime. Grand juries also help to protect citizens from being charged with crimes without probable cause.