Grand Juries: A Layperson's Guide
What is a Grand Jury?
A grand jury is a legal body composed of laypeople, or ordinary citizens, who are selected to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a criminal prosecution. Unlike regular trial juries, which decide the guilt or innocence of a defendant, grand juries are solely responsible for deciding whether to issue an indictment, or formal accusation, against a person suspected of committing a crime.
Composition and Selection
Grand juries typically consist of 16 to 23 people, who are randomly selected from the community. The selection process is designed to ensure that the jury represents a diverse cross-section of the population and is impartial in its deliberations.
Functions and Powers
The primary function of a grand jury is to review evidence presented by the prosecution and determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused person is responsible for it. Grand juries do not hear from the defense and are not required to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
If the grand jury believes that there is sufficient evidence, it will issue an indictment. If it does not, it will return a "no bill," indicating that there is not enough evidence to support a prosecution.
Secrecy and Confidentiality
Grand jury proceedings are typically conducted in secret to protect the rights of both the accused and the witnesses who testify before it. The public is not allowed to attend these proceedings, and jurors are prohibited from discussing them with anyone outside the jury room.
This secrecy helps ensure that the grand jury can make its decisions independently, without being influenced by outside pressures or opinions.
Conclusion
Grand juries play a vital role in the American justice system by providing a fair and impartial review of evidence and deciding whether to proceed with criminal prosecutions. Their secrecy and impartiality help protect the rights of both the accused and the public.
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