What is the purpose of a criminal grand jury?

The criminal grand jury in California is an important tool used by state prosecutors to investigate and prosecute crimes. It is a body of 23 to 24 citizens that is convened to determine if there is enough evidence to indict a person or persons of a criminal offense. The grand jury is separate from the court system and operates independently. The purpose of a criminal grand jury is to determine whether there is enough evidence to charge a person with a crime. This means that the grand jury reviews evidence to determine if there is probable cause to believe that a person has committed a crime. This evidence may include testimony from witnesses, physical or electronic evidence, or financial documents. The grand jury must also decide whether or not to issue an indictment, or a formal charging document. If the grand jury decides there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime, then the person is indicted and the case continues in the regular court system. The criminal grand jury provides citizens with an important role in the prosecution of criminal offenses. This body of citizens hears the evidence and makes a decision on the facts to determine if a crime has been committed. It is an essential part of the criminal justice system in California.

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What is the purpose of a criminal grand jury?

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