What is the purpose of a grand jury indictment?

The purpose of a grand jury indictment in Maryland is to determine whether there is enough evidence to prosecute a person for a particular crime. Grand juries are composed of citizens who are randomly selected, and they hear evidence presented by the prosecutor to decide whether to issue an indictment. An indictment is a formal accusation by the grand jury that the person committed a crime. The indictment will list the charges against the accused and provide the elements of each charge. It must be found that the crimes were committed beyond a reasonable doubt before an indictment can be issued. Once the indictment is issued, it will be filed with the court and the accused will be given a date to appear for trial. The purpose of a grand jury indictment is to ensure that no one is tried and convicted without proper cause. It keeps the prosecutor from having too much power over the accused and ensures that the defendant receives a fair trial. It also gives the accused a chance to present evidence and testimony in their own defense. By having a grand jury review the evidence, it can be determined if there is sufficient credibility and evidence to move forward with a trial.

Related FAQs

What is the impact of the Fourth Amendment on criminal law?
What is the purpose of a preliminary hearing?
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony?
What is the purpose of a criminal investigation?
What is the impact of Miranda v. Arizona on criminal procedure?
What are the rules of the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments in criminal cases?
What are the rules on evidence-gathering in criminal cases?
What are the rules of double jeopardy in criminal procedure?
What is the difference between a direct and an indirect appeal?
What is the difference between probable cause and reasonable suspicion?

What is the purpose of a grand jury indictment?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts