GRAND JURY Meaning and
Definition
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A grand jury is a panel of citizens responsible for reviewing evidence and determining whether there is enough grounds to formally charge individuals with a crime. Generally composed of 16 to 23 individuals, grand juries are assembled by the legal system to examine cases brought before them. Their main purpose is to decide if probable cause exists to issue indictments against individuals accused of committing a crime. Unlike a trial jury, a grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence but focuses solely on the initial stage of the criminal process.
During a grand jury proceeding, the prosecution presents evidence, including witness testimonies, documents, and other information, to convince the jury that an individual should be charged. The proceedings are conducted in secrecy, allowing witnesses to speak freely and ensuring that sensitive information is not disclosed prematurely. Grand jurors may also request additional evidence or question witnesses, subject to the judge's approval.
The grand jury's decision to issue an indictment is typically based on whether there is enough evidence to believe that the accused committed a crime and that a trial is warranted. If the grand jury determines there is sufficient cause, an indictment will be issued, leading to a formal criminal trial. However, if they find the evidence insufficient, the accused will not be formally charged, and the case may be dismissed or redirected.
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A jury that decides whether there is sufficient evidence to put the accused on trial.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for GRAND JURY
- frand jury
- vrand jury
- brand jury
- hrand jury
- yrand jury
- trand jury
- geand jury
- gdand jury
- gfand jury
- gtand jury
- g5and jury
- g4and jury
- grznd jury
- grsnd jury
- grwnd jury
- grqnd jury
- grabd jury
- gramd jury
- grajd jury
- grandjury
Etymology of GRAND JURY
The word "grand jury" originated from old Norman French.
The term "grand" comes from the Latin word "grandis", meaning "great" or "large". It was added to Juré, meaning "sworn", in Old French to refer to a group of people sworn to give their judgment or decide certain matters.
The word "jury" itself is derived from the Latin term "jurata", meaning "oath" or "sworn". It entered English from Anglo-Norman, where it referred to a group of people called upon to provide sworn evidence or make decisions in legal matters.
Over time, the combination of "grand" and "jury" specifically came to represent a larger and more prestigious body of jurors, tasked with considering evidence and determining whether there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges, leading to the modern concept of a "grand jury" that we use today.
Similar spelling words for GRAND JURY
- grand fir,
- ground jury,
- grand tour,
- grand canyon,
- jure grando,
- granduncle,
- groundberry,
- granddad,
- grind out,
- grandaunt,
- Grand Turk,
- grand mal,
- grandad,
- Grandberry,
- grand duchy,
- grounder,
- grand duke,
- grandeur,
- grandly,
- grand slam,
- grand opera,
- grenadier,
- JURY GRAND,
- grand lama,
- grand prix,
- granddaddy.
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