The Role of the Grand Jury in the Criminal Justice System
Understanding the Selection Process
Prospective Jurors and Questionnaires
In the United States, the selection of prospective jurors for both trial and grand juries follows a stringent process designed to ensure fairness and impartiality. For trial juries, the court clerk sends out mandatory questionnaires to determine the eligibility of potential jurors.
Random Selection for Grand Juries
Federal law mandates that grand juries be composed of a fair cross-section of citizens randomly selected from sources such as voter registration lists. These individuals may serve for up to 18 months.
Origin and History of the Grand Jury
The grand jury concept originated in medieval England. It initially served to assist the king in investigations and indictments. Over time, the grand jury evolved to protect citizens from wrongful accusations.
Nature of the Grand Jury
A grand jury is typically composed of between 12 and 23 individuals. Its primary purpose is to evaluate accusations against individuals or entities. If the jury finds enough evidence to support the charges, it issues an indictment, authorizing the prosecution to proceed.
Unlike trial juries, grand jurors do not determine guilt or innocence. Their role is limited to examining evidence and recommending whether or not to indict.
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