Grand jury

Definition

A grand jury is a legal body empowered to conduct official proceedings to investigate potential criminal conduct and determine whether criminal charges should be brought. It differs from a trial jury, which determines the guilt or innocence of a defendant in a trial.

Related terms

Indictment: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, issued by a grand jury.

Prosecutor: A legal official who brings charges against someone suspected of breaking the law, especially in criminal cases.

Petit Jury: A jury, typically consisting of 12 members, that determines the verdict in a trial, contrasting with a grand jury that decides whether charges should be brought.