Origin and History of the Grand Jury

Nature of the Grand Jury

A grand jury is a panel of citizens assembled to evaluate accusations against a person or entity charged with a crime. They are responsible for determining whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. Grand juries consist of 12 to 23 individuals and are selected randomly from voter registrations or other sources. They may serve for up to 18 months.

Selection Process

Federal law governs the selection of grand juries. They must be comprised of a fair pool of citizens drawn randomly from available lists. To determine the eligibility of prospective jurors, the clerk of the court sends them a mandatory questionnaire to complete and return.

Conclusion

Grand juries play a crucial role in the American justice system by providing a check on the power of prosecution. They ensure that individuals are not unjustly accused or prosecuted for crimes. The random selection process and strict eligibility requirements ensure that grand juries are representative of the community and can make impartial decisions. This safeguarding mechanism helps maintain the integrity and fairness of the legal process.