What is the purpose of a grand jury indictment?

In Texas, a Grand Jury indictment is a document that is issued by a grand jury to formally accuse a person of a crime. This document serves as the basis for criminal proceedings against the accused. The purpose of the Grand Jury indictment is to determine whether or not there is probable cause to believe that the accused has committed a crime. This is done by having the jury, typically consisting of 12 to 23 people, review evidence presented by the prosecutor. The grand jury then decides whether or not the evidence is sufficient to indict the accused of a crime. The Grand Jury indictment is important because it is the beginning of the criminal process. Once an indictment is made, the accused is officially charged with the crime. This means the accused now faces criminal charges and must go to trial. The Grand Jury indictment is an important safeguard against arbitrary or unfair prosecution. It ensures that the accused is not arrested or charged without the necessary evidence. It also serves to protect citizens from wrongful convictions. Overall, the Grand Jury indictment is an essential part of the criminal process. It helps to ensure that the accused receives a fair trial and that justice is served.

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