What is a Grand Jury?
Understanding Grand Juries
Definition
A grand jury is a jury that examines accusations against persons charged with crime. In the United States, a grand jury is a group of people who decide if a person who has been charged with a crime should be tried by a regular jury.
Purpose
The purpose of a grand jury is to determine if there is enough evidence to justify a criminal trial. The grand jury hears evidence from the prosecution and the defense, and then decides whether to issue an indictment. An indictment is a formal accusation that charges a person with a crime.
Procedure
A grand jury is typically composed of 12 to 23 people. The jury is selected from a pool of potential jurors. The grand jury meets in secret and hears evidence from the prosecution and the defense. The jury then votes to decide whether to issue an indictment.
Significance
Grand juries play an important role in the American criminal justice system. They help to ensure that people are not tried for crimes without sufficient evidence. Grand juries also help to protect the rights of the accused.
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