What is the role of the grand jury in criminal cases?

In Minnesota, the role of the grand jury in criminal cases is to investigate and indict suspects who have been accused of serious crimes in a county. The grand jury is made up of a panel of citizens from the community who receive evidence from a prosecutor in order to decide if there is enough evidence to charge a suspect with a crime. The grand jury has the authority to issue an indictment, which is a formal charge against the suspect, or to decide there is not enough evidence to charge the suspect. The grand jury is also responsible for gathering information and determining if there is sufficient evidence to try the suspect. The jury may look at documents, witness testimonies, and other evidence related to the case. The grand jury will then vote whether there is enough evidence to charge the suspect. If the majority of the grand jury votes to charge a suspect, they will issue an indictment and set the case in motion. The grand jury has a key role in the criminal justice system as it helps to ensure the accused is not unjustly charged with a crime. The grand jury is an important safeguard for the accused during the criminal process, as the jury must find sufficient evidence to issue an indictment before any criminal process begins.

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What is the role of the grand jury in criminal cases?

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