Grand Juries: Indictments and Procedures
An Introduction to Grand Juries
Grand juries play a crucial role in the American legal system. They are composed of a group of citizens, usually between 16 and 23 in size, who are selected randomly to review evidence and determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed.
Indictment Process
When a grand jury votes to indict, it means that they have concluded that there is sufficient evidence against the accused to warrant a trial. Indictments are essential in criminal cases because they help ensure that accused individuals are not subjected to unnecessary prosecution. To vote an indictment, at least 12 grand jurors must agree that there is enough evidence. The proceedings are kept secret, and the accused is not present. The grand jury's decision is final and cannot be appealed.
Procedures
Grand jury procedures vary from state to state, but they generally follow a similar format: *
Selection: The grand jurors are selected randomly from a pool of eligible citizens. *
Instructions: The judge provides the jurors with instructions regarding their role and the law. *
Evidence Review: The prosecution presents evidence, including witness testimony, physical evidence, and expert testimony. *
Indictment Vote: The jurors vote on whether to indict or not. If they vote to indict, the accused is arrested and charged with a crime.
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