A group of citizens assembled in secret to hear or investigate allegations of criminal behavior. A grand jury has authority to conduct criminal investigations and to charge a crime through an indictment.
A body of persons sworn to inquire into crime and, if applicable, bring accusation against the suspected criminal(s).
A group of citizens whose duty it is to inquire into a crime to determine if an indictment against a suspected criminal is warranted.
A body of citizens who evaluates evidence about a crime to determine whether a suspect should be charged with having committed the crime. The grand jury should be distinguished from a petit jury.
A group of citizens convened in a criminal case to consider the prosecutor's evidence and determine whether probable cause exists to prosecute a suspect for a felony.
the group that hears charges against a person suspected of having committed a crime and decides whether there is sufficient evidence to bring the person to trial
An investigative body that determines if enough probable cause exists to take a case forward to trial; also returns formal charges.
method of determining whether the government should prosecute a criminal case; required in serious cases by the Fifth Amendment.
A jury of 12 to 18 persons selected to inquire into alleged crimes in order to determine whether the evidence is sufficient to warrant a trial. Only the prosecution presents evidence to the grand jury.
Made up of a larger group of persons who is suspected of a crime and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring that person to trial.
A jury of inquiry whose duty is to receive complaints and accusations in criminal cases, hear evidence and find bills of indictment in cases where they are satisfied that there is probable cause that a crime was committed and that a trial ought to be held.
A body of persons sworn to inquire into crime and bring an accusation (indictment) against the suspected criminal if warranted; grand juries are uncommon in Nebraska.
a jury to inquire in accusations of crime and to evaluate the grounds for indictments
a body of assumedly unbiased citizens rather than an agency with an agenda
a body of citizens (chosen in the same manner as jurors) whose responsibility is to determine if there is enough evidence to justify bringing charges against an individual
a body of the required number of persons returned from the citizens of
a body of twenty-three ordinary citizens whose task is to determine if there is probable cause to conclude that the defendant committed a crime
a collection of laypersons selected by the prosecutor to examine evidence and decide whether to indict the defendant and so authorize prosecution
a constituent part of the court or branch of a court having general criminal jurisdiction
a group of citizens randomly selected to hear evidence in federal cases and decide if individuals should be indicted or not, Cromwell said
a group of citizens summoned to criminal court by a law enforcement official to decide whether it is appropriate to indict someone suspected of a crime
a group of citizens summoned to criminal court by the sheriff to consider accusations and complaints leveled against persons suspected of engaging in criminal conduct
a group of citizens, usually chosen from the same pool as trial jurors, that is sworn in by a court to hear a case
a group of fifteen citizens who are presented evidence by a prosecutor
a group of people called together by the prosecutor to gather information about suspected criminal activity by listening to testimony from witnesses and examining documents and other evidence
a group of people that are selected and sworn in by a court, just like jurors that are chosen to serve on a trial jury (such as the jury in the O
a group of people that listens to evidence of crimes presented by prosecutors, then votes whether or not a person must stand trial for the crimes
a group of private citizens who hear evidence in d case and decide whether or not to return an indictment against the defendant
a mechanism by which jurors review evidence and decide whether it is sufficient to bring a criminal charge against someone
an inquisitorial body pertaining alone to offenses committed within the county, or that could be prosecuted in the county and has no power to inquire concerning offenses committed beyond the county's boundaries
an investigation, not a trial
an investigative body composed of citizens, and the proceedings are considered highly secret
a panel of citizens that determines whether there is sufficient evidence to charge a person with a crime
a panel of citizens who meet in secret to review evidence and decide whether to issue an indictment or charge
a powerful investigative tool that allows prosecutors to bring an indictment for criminal wrongdoing
a type of (A system of jurisprudence based on judicial precedents rather than statutory laws) common law (A body of citizens sworn to give a
a group of citizens who listen to the government present evidence of criminal activity by an individual or individuals in order to determine whether there is enough evidence to justify filing an indictment charging the individual or individuals with a crime.
A group of people who listen to evidence and decide if there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime prior to trial.
An independent jury who reviews complaints and accusations in criminal cases filed by prosecutors to see if there is probable cause or reason to believe a crime was committed by the particular person charged and whether a jury trial should occur. They hear evidence. In cases where they believe a trial is warranted they file indictments. In cases, where they believe a trial is not warrant and there is not probable cause they file a no true bill and the case ends prior to trial.
A body of persons with the authority to investigate and accuse, but not to try cases. The grand jury will listen to and review evidence to see if it there are sufficient grounds to bring an individual to trial.
a body of up to 18 people who decide if there is sufficient evidence to charge a person with a felony.
Twenty-three people empaneled to hear evidence presented by a prosecutor to determine if there is enough evidence to bring a person to trial for a crime.
A jury of inquiry whose duty is to receive complaints and accusations in criminal cases, hear the evidence and find bills of indictment in case where they are satisfied a trial is needed. Grand juries also can initiate their own investigations.
A group of five to seven citizens who review indictments presented by a commonwealth's attorney, including those certified by a district court judge. If the grand jury determines, by majority vote, there is probable cause for the defendant to stand trial in circuit court, the indictment will be returned as "a true bill." If the grand jury does not find probable cause, the indictment will be returned as "not a true bill," and all charges will be dropped. The commonwealth's attorney can present the same charge to the grand jury in the future. Since the defendant was not in jeopardy of punishment when the grand jury was considering the original bill of indictment, a representment is not considered unconstitutional double jeopardy.
A group of citizens who hear evidence presented by the prosecutor and decide if there is enough evidence to charge and try the person(s) accused of one or more felonies. Not all cases are presented to a grand jury; many cases are filed directly with the court with a probable cause affidavit.
A body of 16-23 citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations, which is presented by the prosecutors, and determine whether there is probable cause to believe an individual committed an offense.
A jury of men and women made up of sixteen people who determine if there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed the crime.
The Grand Jury is a group of citizens who determine whether or not to indict Defendants charged with a felony. Unlike a trial by jury, Grand Jury proceedings are closed and the Defendant has no right to participate or even be present.
A panel of registered voters which considers charges a prosecutor has filed against an accused, and/or investigates criminal activity on its own direction. The use of the grand jury varies throughout the country. In some states, it is mandatory for all felony charges. In others, there is no grand jury system at all. Illinois has a grand jury system, but its use in a particular case is a matter of prosecutorial discretion. [Go to source
A group that decides whether there is enough evidence to justify an indictment and a trial.
A body of citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations, which are presented by the government, and determines whether there is probable cause to believe the offense was committed. As it is used in federal criminal cases, "the government" refers to the lawyers of the U.S. attorney's office who are prosecuting the case.
A jury of inquiry whose duty it is to receive complaints and accusations in criminal matters and if appropriate issue a formal indictment.
In Minnesota, a panel of citizens who hear evidence against a person accused of a crime and determine whether that person should stand trial. A grand jury can also investigate various aspects of government at its own initiative, particularly charges of corruption or mismanagement.
A body of persons sworn to inquire into crime and, if appropriate, bring accusations (indictments) against the suspected criminals.
a grand jury is composed of eighteen citizens meet in felony cases to determine whether a crime probably occurred and whether the defendant probably committed the crime. If twelve of the eighteen jurors, agree then they return a true bill of indictment. The office of the District Attorney prepares indictments.
Each judicial district selected men to serve on Grand Juries. Jury members spoke for their communities in legal and political matters.
A group of citizens who decide whether or not there is enough evidence to charge a suspect with a crime.
a grand jury is a body of citizens consisting of not less than 16 and not more than 23 members - sixteen members are required for a quorum and 12 must concur to find an indictment
A jury of "inquiry" or "inquisition" which listens to complaints and accusations and decides whether to find bills of indictment in criminal cases. In territorial Arkansas, the sheriff would summons twenty four men of stature and good reputation to serve on a grand jury. Only sixteen needed to be present for the jury to function, and no more than twenty three could be present.
Group of citizens, usually numbering 23, assembled to determine whether enough evidence exists to charge an individual with a felony. May issue indictment, charging the suspect, or may have power to issue presentment. Compare petit jury.
A jury of inquiry called by the prosecutor's office to hear the evidence presented and determine if it is sufficient to proceed with a criminal charge. Grand juries do not deliberate and reach a verdict of guilt or innocence. In Wisconsin grand juries are made up of 17 jurors. Use of grand juries is very rare. Unlike the petit jury trial, grand jury proceedings are secret.
A group of 16-23 citizens who listen to evidence of criminal allegations presented by the District Attorney and his or her prosecutors in order to determine whether there is enough probable cause to bring that individual to trial. See also Indictment.
An independent group of private citizens who listen to information about the crime in order to decide whether the case shouldgo to trial. Victim's appearnace only if subpoenaed or requested.
A panel of citizens sworn to inquire into crime and if appropriate bring accusations, or indictments, against the suspects.
A group of people selected to sit on a jury that decides whether to return indictments. Grand juries usually consist of 23 people and convene for a minimum of one month but can last up to a year. (Wex)
An American criminal justice procedure whereby, in each court district, a group of 16-23 citizens holds an inquiry on criminal complaints brought by the prosecutor and decides if a trial is warranted, in which case an indictment is issued. If a Grand Jury rejects a proposed indictment it is known as a "no bill"; if they accept to endorse a proposed indictment it is known as a "true bill".
A select panel of community members convened for a specified period of time to examine accusation against persons to determine if there in sufficient cause to bring them to trial in a court of law.
a jury consisting of 12 to 23 impartial people who decide if the evidence in a criminal case is strong enough to warrant a trial. This jury does not determine an individual's guilt or innocence.
A group of citizens who decide whether the prosecutor has enough evidence to pursue felony (and perhaps also misdemeanor) charges against a person.
A body of persons who have been selected according to law and sworn to hear the evidence against accused persons and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring those persons to trial, to investigate criminal activity generally, and to investigate the conduct of public agencies and officials.
Group of 16 citizens drawn from Maricopa County to investigate in private criminal matters pertaining to Maricopa County when asked to do so by the County Attorney. There may be more than one County Grand Jury going at any time, each meeting twice a week. Evidence is presented by a prosecutor and witness(es). County Grand Juries typically hear cases involving drugs, murder, rape, burglaries, and assaults. County Grand Jury must decide by simple majority whether there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the crime. County Grand Jury has the power to charge a crime by indictment; also may have the power to issue a report or presentment without charging a crime. A Grand Jury proceeding negates the need for a Preliminary Hearing.
Group of 16 citizens which can meet in the Superior Court of either Maricopa County (Phoenix) or Pima County (Tucson) to investigate in private criminal matters that pertain to the State when asked to do so by the State Attorney General. State Grand Jury typically hears white-collar crimes, fraudulent schemes and artifices, and forgeries. Typically, one State Grand Jury meets once a month for four days. Nine members of the State Grand Jury must vote a true bill, which is to say they found probable cause that the defendant committed the crime.
a panel which receive complaints and accusations of crimes, hears preliminary evidence , and hands down indictments
a group of 9 to 16 citizens of the county who hear evidence presented by the prosecutor and determine if probable cause exists.
ranges in size from 6 to 23, depending on the state, and functions to determine whether there is enough evidence available against a person accused of a crime to justify a trial.
this jury determines whether there is enough evidence to bring a defendant to trial.
A group of 23 citizens who decide whether there is "reasonable cause" to believe the defendant has committed a crime and whether an indictment should be issued.
A body of 23 citizens which hears evidence presented by the prosecutor to determine whether there is enough evidence to justify an indictment.
a group of citizens sworn to inquire into crime and bring accusations (indictments) against suspected criminals.
panel of citizens who meet in secret and after reviewing evidence submitted by prosecutors, determine if charges should be filed against individuals
A jury used in criminal matters to hear complaints and accusations and decide if a formal indictment should be issued.
A group of 23 D.C. citizens who hear evidence presented by the prosecutor and decide whether there is enough evidence to charge and try the accused.
A group of 12 to 16 citizens who usually serve a term of not more than 120 days to hear or investigate charges of criminal behavior. Their indictment, called a true bill, leads to a court trial of the person charged.
Holds the duty of hearing the evidence for the prosecution in each bill of indictment, to decide whether a sufficient case is made out on which to hold the accused for trial.
a group of individuals designated by law to determine whether enough evidence exists to merit a charge against the criminally accused; no parallel in civil law although many states require a review and certification prior a patients bringing of an action against a doctor or other person or entity providing medical services
is a group of civilians convened to determine whether or not a criminal case has enough merit to proceed to trial
A group of citizens whose duty it is to inquire into a crime to determine if a criminal indictment against a person is warranted. In Iowa, a grand jury shall meet at the direction of the court, upon the request of a majority of grand jurors, or at the request of the county attorney. Typically, the county attorney is allowed to appear before a grand jury for the purpose of presenting information and examining witnesses. Grand jury proceedings are closed to the public.
A grand jury is a type of a jury, in the common law legal system, which determines if there is enough evidence for a trial. Grand juries carry out this duty by examining evidence presented to them by a prosecutor and issuing indictments, or by investigating alleged crimes and issuing presentments. A grand jury is traditionally larger and distinguishable from a petit jury, which is used during a trial.