Grand Jury

Term and Function

Grand jurors typically serve for a period of four weeks. Their primary function is to hear evidence presented by prosecutors and determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and that the accused individual should stand trial.

Eligibility and Selection

To determine the eligibility of prospective jurors, the clerk of the court sends each a juror qualification questionnaire. Prospective jurors are randomly selected from the source lists and sent a juror qualification questionnaire. Those who meet the eligibility criteria are then summoned to appear for jury duty.

Size and Term

Grand juries typically consist of 15 to 21 members. They serve for a six-month term of duty, and throughout the year, prospective jurors are selected randomly from the source lists and sent a juror qualification questionnaire.

Evidence Review

The grand jury hears evidence from witnesses and reviews documents presented by prosecutors. They can find that there is not enough evidence to proceed with a felony charge or that there is enough evidence to indict the accused individual. Indictment means that the grand jury believes that there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and that the accused individual should stand trial.