What is the difference between a grand jury and a petit jury?

A grand jury and petit jury are two different kinds of juries found in the state of Idaho. Grand juries are used in criminal cases to determine whether or not there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges against a suspect. A petit jury, on the other hand, is used in criminal cases to decide the guilt or innocence of the suspect once the charges are brought. The primary difference between a grand jury and a petit jury is the number of jurors involved in each jury. A grand jury is made up of twelve to twenty-three people, while a petit jury is usually composed of six to twelve people. Grand juries are typically more adversarial than petit juries. Grand juries hear evidence in secret, known only to those involved, and are usually trying to decide whether there is evidence to find a suspect guilty. Petit juries, on the other hand, hear evidence that is presented publicly in a courtroom and are usually trying to decide if a suspect is actually guilty of the crime they are accused of. Grand jurors do not legally decide guilt or innocence, but a petit jury must decide beyond a reasonable doubt if a suspect is guilty or not guilty. Grand juries can also be used to investigate criminal cases even if charges are not brought against the suspect. In Idaho, grand and petit juries play an important role in the criminal justice system. Grand juries are used to decide whether there is enough evidence against a suspect to bring charges. Petit juries then decide on the guilt or innocence of the suspect after the charges are brought.

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What is the difference between a grand jury and a petit jury?

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