A grand jury is a body that evaluates whether there is sufficient basis to bring certain criminal charges. In plain language, it is a charging-stage institution used in some cases to decide whether an indictment should issue.
Why It Matters
The term matters because not every criminal case begins the same way. In many serious cases, grand-jury proceedings shape how charges are approved and how early evidence is presented to support prosecution.
Where It Appears
The term appears in felony charging practice, indictments, witness subpoenas, constitutional procedure, and challenges to prosecution process.
Practical Example
Prosecutors present evidence about an alleged fraud scheme to a grand jury and seek an indictment against the accused. The grand jury decides whether the case can move forward on those charges.
How It Differs From Nearby Terms
- Indictment is the formal charging document that may result.
- Jury trial determines guilt or innocence later, while a grand jury addresses charging.
- Probable cause is the kind of threshold concept often associated with early criminal charging.
Related Terms
Knowledge Check
- Does a grand jury decide guilt at trial? No. It addresses charging, not final guilt.
- What formal result may come from a grand jury proceeding? An indictment.