Grand Jury: Definition and Role in the US Criminal Justice System
What is a Grand Jury?
A grand jury, literally meaning "great jury," is a body of jurors convened under US criminal procedure law to conduct confidential proceedings. The grand jury's primary function is to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to charge a person with a crime. This process is known as an indictment.
How is a Grand Jury Selected?
Grand jurors are typically randomly selected from voter registration lists or other public sources. They must meet the eligibility criteria, such as being at least 18 years of age, US citizens, and residents of the district where they serve. Grand jury terms usually last between six and 18 months.
Procedure and Powers
Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public and conducted in private. The prosecutor presents evidence and witnesses, while the grand jurors hear the information and deliberate. They vote to indict if they find probable cause that a crime has been committed. The grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence, and its decision does not result in a criminal conviction.
Importance in the Criminal Justice System
The grand jury system serves several key purposes: it protects individuals from unwarranted prosecution by ensuring that there is sufficient evidence before an indictment is issued; it allows for more thorough and efficient investigations by freeing up trial courts from the burden of conducting preliminary hearings; and it provides citizens with a voice in the criminal justice process by involving them in the decision-making process.
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