What is the purpose of a criminal grand jury?

A criminal grand jury is a type of legal tool used in Washington state to determine if there is enough evidence to formally charge someone with a crime. This type of grand jury is made up of members of the public who are randomly selected to serve, and who are then asked to review evidence related to a particular criminal case. The purpose of this grand jury is to hear evidence presented to them by prosecutors in order to decide whether or not to charge someone with a crime. If the grand jury decides that there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime, a "true bill" is issued. If the evidence is insufficient to charge someone with a crime, the grand jury will issue a "no bill." By reviewing evidence and issuing a true bill or a no bill the criminal grand jury helps to determine who will be formally charged with a crime. This is an important part of criminal procedure in Washington state and serves to ensure that no one is charged with a crime without sufficient evidence.

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What is the purpose of a criminal grand jury?

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