Grand Jury
Definition
A Grand Jury is a group of citizens chosen to hear evidence and determine whether there is enough evidence to formally accuse or "indict" a person of a crime.
Role in the US Legal System
In the US legal system, a Grand Jury is an essential component of the criminal justice process. Its primary responsibility is to decide whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused person should stand trial.
Composition and Selection
Grand Juries typically consist of 12 to 23 members. They are selected randomly from a pool of eligible citizens, and their term of service usually lasts for a few months.
Procedure
A Grand Jury hears evidence presented by the prosecutor, including witness testimony, documents, and other materials. The proceedings are conducted in secret, and the jurors make their decision based on the evidence they hear. If they believe there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed, they will issue an indictment. An indictment is a formal accusation that charges a person with a specific crime.
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