Legal Definitions - grand jury

A grand jury is a group of people who decide whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. This group is made up of 16 to 23 people who are selected to serve for a period of one month up to one year. The grand jury proceedings are held in private, and the person who is suspected of committing the crime is usually not present.

The grand jury acts as an investigative body, and they work independently of the prosecuting attorney or judge. The prosecutors present the case to the grand jury and try to establish probable cause to believe that a criminal offense has been committed. The grand jury may request that the court compel further evidence, including witness testimony and subpoenas of documents. They are generally free to pursue their investigations without external influence or supervision.

The grand jury is an important part of the criminal justice system in the United States. They act as a buffer between the government and the people, providing a check on governmental power.

For example, if someone is suspected of committing a crime, the prosecutor may present the case to a grand jury. The grand jury will review the evidence and decide whether there is enough evidence to charge the person with a crime. If they decide that there is enough evidence, they will issue an indictment, which formally charges the person with committing a crime and begins the criminal prosecution process.