What is the purpose of a grand jury?

The purpose of a grand jury is to determine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. In the grand jury process, a group of citizens convenes to review evidence presented by the prosecutor. Their role is not to establish guilt or innocence but to assess whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused individual may have been involved. If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence, they will issue an indictment, allowing the case to proceed to trial.

This step is crucial in the legal process because it serves as a check on the power of the state, ensuring that individuals are not unfairly charged without appropriate evidence. This distinct function sets the grand jury apart from other elements of the judicial system that are focused more on trial fairness, civil litigation oversight, or plea bargain negotiations.