The Grand Jury: A Key Part of the Legal Process

What is a Grand Jury?

A grand jury is a group of citizens empowered by law to conduct legal proceedings, 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 against a person.

How Does a Grand Jury Work?

A grand jury is typically made up of 12 to 23 people. They are selected randomly from a pool of eligible citizens. The grand jury meets in secret and hears evidence from prosecutors and witnesses. The jury then decides whether there is enough evidence to indict the accused person. If the grand jury votes to indict, the person will be formally charged with a crime.

The Role of the Grand Jury

The grand jury plays an important role in the legal process. It ensures that there is enough evidence to support criminal charges before they are brought against a person. The grand jury also helps to protect the rights of the accused by ensuring that they are not charged with a crime unless there is probable cause to believe that they committed it.

Conclusion

The grand jury is a key part of the legal process. It plays an important role in protecting the rights of the accused and ensuring that there is enough evidence to support criminal charges.