Understanding the Role of a Grand Jury in Federal Criminal Cases

What is a Grand Jury?

A grand jury is a body of citizens, typically between 16 and 23 people, who are selected at random to hear evidence and determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused should be tried for that crime.

The Indictment Process

If the grand jury believes that there is probable cause, it will issue an indictment, which is a formal charging document that alleges specific criminal charges against the accused. An indictment is not a finding of guilt or innocence, but rather a determination that there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial.

The Difference between a Grand Jury and a Trial Jury

It's important to note that a grand jury is different from a trial jury. A grand jury only considers evidence to determine whether there is probable cause to proceed with a trial. A trial jury, on the other hand, hears evidence and determines guilt or non-guilt in a criminal case.

The Significance of a Grand Jury Indictment

Securing an indictment from a grand jury is a significant stage in the federal criminal justice process. It means that a group of independent citizens has reviewed the evidence and found that there is a reasonable basis to believe that the accused committed a crime.