What is the purpose of a grand jury indictment?

The purpose of a grand jury indictment in Massachusetts is to bring criminal charges against a person. In Massachusetts, an indictment is the formal charge against a person accused of a crime. It is initiated by a grand jury, a group of citizens who review the evidence presented by the prosecutor to determine if there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges against a person. The grand jury listens to evidence presented by the prosecutor and if they determine that there is enough evidence to support the charge, they issue an “indictment” or formal charge. This action makes it possible for the state to proceed with criminal prosecution. The grand jury is not responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of the person charged—that is the responsibility of a trial jury. In Massachusetts, a grand jury indictment is requested by the prosecutor and approved by the court. Once an indictment is issued, the accused person is arrested and arraigned, which is a hearing in which the accused person formally hears the charges against them. The prosecutor also has the option to issue a complaint or direct indictment instead of a grand jury indictment. A direct indictment is when the prosecutor can avoid the use of a grand jury and proceed to arraignment without a grand jury indictment.

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What is the purpose of a grand jury indictment?

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