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Grand Jury: The Heart of the American Criminal Justice System
What is a Grand Jury?
A grand jury is a group of citizens who are empaneled to investigate potential criminal activity and determine whether there is enough evidence to issue an indictment, which is a formal accusation that charges a person with a crime.
The Role of the Grand Jury
The grand jury plays a crucial role in the American criminal justice system by:
- Protecting the innocent from being charged with crimes they did not commit
- Ensuring that only cases with sufficient evidence go to trial
- Providing a check on the power of the prosecution
How Grand Juries are Selected
Grand juries are typically selected randomly from a pool of registered voters. The selection process aims to create a jury that is representative of the community and capable of making fair and impartial decisions.
The Grand Jury Process
The grand jury meets in secret and hears evidence from witnesses, including the prosecution, defense, and any other individuals who may have relevant information.
After hearing all the evidence, the grand jury votes to determine whether to issue an indictment. A majority vote is required for an indictment to be issued.
Post-Indictment
If the grand jury issues an indictment, the accused person is formally charged with the crime and the case proceeds to trial.
The grand jury process is a critical part of the American criminal justice system. It helps to ensure that the accused are treated fairly and that only cases with sufficient evidence are brought to trial.
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