Grand Jury: Selection and Process
Grand Jury Selection
Grand jurors are chosen randomly from the same pool of individuals as trial jurors. They possess similar qualifications, such as being United States citizens over the age of 18, residing in the jurisdiction, and meeting specific criteria related to citizenship, residency, and ability to understand and communicate in English.
Grand Jury Process
Once a grand jury has been selected, it begins its proceedings. The primary function of a grand jury is to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and whether an indictment should be issued.
The grand jury process involves several key steps:
Indictment
If the grand jury determines that there is sufficient evidence to believe that a crime has been committed, it will issue an indictment, which is a formal accusation that charges a person with a specific crime. An indictment is not a finding of guilt, but rather a determination that there is enough evidence to support a trial.
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