What Is a Grand Jury?
A Unique Legal Body in the U.S.
A grand jury is a legal body composed of ordinary citizens who play a crucial role in the U.S. criminal justice system. Its primary function is to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with criminal charges against a suspect.
Process and Responsibilities
Grand juries are convened in response to criminal accusations or potential misconduct. They gather evidence, hear testimony from witnesses, and review relevant documents to determine if there is "probable cause" to believe that a crime has been committed. The decision is made through a majority vote, which must be kept secret.
If the grand jury finds probable cause, it will issue an indictment, which formally charges the suspect with a crime. An indictment triggers the next phase of the criminal process, where the suspect stands trial before a regular jury.
Importance in the U.S.
Grand juries play a significant role in the U.S. criminal justice system because they act as a safeguard against wrongful prosecutions. By requiring a finding of probable cause before formal charges are brought, the grand jury process helps protect innocent individuals from potential abuse of power.
Grand juries are also important because they provide a mechanism for citizens to participate directly in the criminal justice system. Ordinary citizens, rather than government officials, decide whether there is enough evidence to proceed with charges, ensuring a degree of independence and accountability.
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