What is the purpose of a criminal grand jury?

The purpose of a criminal grand jury is to determine if enough evidence exists to indict or charge a person with a crime. A grand jury is made up of 12 to 23 people from the community. The grand jury hears evidence presented by the prosecution (the state) and considers whether there is probable cause (evidence) to believe that the accused has committed a crime. Grand jury proceedings are secret, and the defendant is not present during the proceedings. The grand jury is an important part of the criminal justice system in Florida. It allows the community to be involved in the decision-making process when it comes to determining whether or not to charge someone with a crime. Furthermore, the grand jury is an important check on the power of the police and the prosecutor. By requiring the grand jury to hear evidence and decide whether or not to indict, it prevents the prosecutor from charging people with crimes on a whim. The grand jury ensures that an accused person has some protection against wrongful or overzealous prosecution.

Related FAQs

What are the rules of self-incrimination in criminal cases?
What is the purpose of a motion to dismiss in criminal cases?
What is the difference between criminal and civil procedure?
What is the process of plea-bargaining in criminal cases?
What is the difference between voluntary and involuntary manslaughter?
What are the rules for hearsay evidence in criminal trials?
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
What are the rules of evidence to be presented in criminal cases?
What is the purpose of a criminal complaint?
What is the process of police investigations in criminal cases?

What is the purpose of a criminal grand jury?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts