The correct spelling for the word "Grand juror" is /ɡrænd ˈdʒʊərər/. The first syllable of Grand is pronounced as /grænd/ with a silent 'd'. The second part -juror is pronounced as /ˈdʒʊərər/ with stress on the second syllable. The word 'Grand' refers to the important function of the Jury in the legal system, where a group of citizens decides whether or not there is enough evidence to bring a suspect to trial. A Grand juror is a member of the Grand jury.
A grand juror refers to an individual who serves on a grand jury, which is a legal body composed of citizens tasked with hearing evidence in criminal cases to determine whether there is enough evidence to bring formal charges against an individual. The primary function of a grand jury is to decide whether probable cause exists to believe that a crime has been committed and whether an individual should be indicted and tried for that offense.
Grand jurors are typically selected from the community and, unlike trial jurors, function in secrecy and without a judge present. They are often chosen through a random selection process from a pool of eligible citizens. Grand jurors are responsible for carefully reviewing evidence, questioning witnesses, and evaluating the credibility of the testimony presented before them. They must ensure that evidence is reliable, relevant, and admissible in accordance with the legal principles of their jurisdiction.
It is vital that grand jurors remain impartial and independent in their decision-making, considering only the evidence presented rather than personal bias or preconceptions. The decisions of the grand jury are typically made by a majority vote, with the jurors' duty being to safeguard the welfare and justice of the community. Once the grand jury determines that there is sufficient evidence, they issue an indictment to initiate formal charges against the accused individual.
In summary, a grand juror plays a crucial role in the legal system, participating in the decision-making process to determine whether an individual should face criminal charges based on the evidence presented before the grand jury.
The term "grand juror" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It can be broken down into two parts:
1. Grand: This term comes from the Old French word "grant", meaning "large" or "big". It ultimately traces back to the Latin word "grandis", which carries similar meanings. In English, "grand" is used to convey the sense of importance or high rank.
2. Juror: This term comes from the Middle English word "jurou(r)", which was derived from the Old French word "juro(u)r". It means "someone who takes an oath" or "swears to give a true answer". The word "juror" is linked to the Latin word "iurare", meaning "to swear or take an oath".
When combined, "grand juror" refers to a person who serves as a member of a grand jury, typically in a legal context.