Grand Jury: Definition and Function
What is a Grand Jury?
A grand jury is a type of jury that is tasked with determining whether there is sufficient evidence to indict an individual for a crime. Grand juries are typically composed of between 12 and 23 jurors, and they are convened by the court for a specific purpose. In most cases, grand juries are used to investigate serious crimes, such as murder, rape, or drug trafficking.
How Grand Juries Work
Grand juries operate in a secretive manner, and their proceedings are not open to the public. This is because grand juries are tasked with making sensitive decisions that could have a significant impact on the lives of the individuals they are investigating. Grand jurors are not allowed to discuss the evidence or their deliberations with anyone, and they are sworn to secrecy.
The process of convening a grand jury begins when a prosecutor presents evidence to the court that suggests that a crime has been committed. If the court finds that there is sufficient evidence to support the prosecutor's request, a grand jury will be convened.
During the grand jury's investigation, the prosecutor will present evidence to the jurors, and the jurors will hear testimony from witnesses. The jurors will then deliberate in private and decide whether there is enough evidence to indict the individual who is the subject of the investigation.
If the grand jury decides to indict the individual, the prosecutor will then file a formal charge against the individual, and the individual will be arrested and brought to trial.
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