What is the purpose of a criminal grand jury?
A criminal grand jury is a type of grand jury established in Massachusetts for the purpose of deciding whether criminal charges should be brought against individuals suspected of a crime. It is used to investigate potential criminal activity in the community and to ensure that the suspects are brought to justice. The grand jury consists of 12 to 23 jurors who must be randomly selected from Massachusetts qualified voters. They hear evidence against someone accused of a crime, including testimony from witnesses and experts. After hearing this evidence, the grand jury decides whether formal charges should be brought against the suspected individual. The purpose of a criminal grand jury in Massachusetts is twofold. First, it serves as a safeguard to protect the accused person from baseless accusations and arbitrary denials of due process. Second, a criminal grand jury helps to maintain public safety by ensuring that people accused of committing serious crimes are brought to justice. In short, the purpose of a criminal grand jury in Massachusetts is to investigate potential criminal activity and to determine if there is enough evidence to bring formal charges against someone accused of a crime. This helps to ensure that justice is served while protecting the rights of the accused.
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