GRANDJURY Meaning and
Definition
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Grand jury is a legal entity composed of a group of citizens who are tasked with determining whether there is enough evidence to charge an individual with a crime and proceed with a trial. It is an important component of the criminal justice system in some countries, such as the United States.
The grand jury functions as an investigative body that is different from a trial jury. It is typically comprised of a panel of citizens, usually around 16 to 23 people, who are selected from the community and sworn to secrecy. The primary responsibility of the grand jury is to review evidence presented by prosecutors and decide whether there is enough probable cause to bring criminal charges against the accused. The members of the grand jury do not determine guilt or innocence, but rather focus on determining whether there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial.
The grand jury proceedings are conducted in secret, allowing witnesses to testify more freely without fear of retaliation or public exposure. This confidentiality also helps to protect the reputation and privacy of the individuals under investigation, especially if they are not ultimately charged with a crime. Grand jury proceedings are not subject to the same procedural rules and standards as a trial, giving prosecutors more flexibility in presenting their case.
The decision of a grand jury can result in an indictment, which is a formal accusation of a crime, and lead to a trial in the criminal justice system. However, the grand jury also has the power to dismiss charges if they find insufficient evidence. This serves as a safeguard against potential prosecutorial misconduct or unjust accusations. Overall, the grand jury plays a vital role in the criminal justice system by acting as a check on the prosecutor's power and ensuring that there is a sufficient basis for charging an individual with a crime.
Common Misspellings for GRANDJURY
- frandjury
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- grzndjury
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- grabdjury
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- grajdjury
- grahdjury
Etymology of GRANDJURY
The word "grand jury" has its origins in English legal terminology. The term "jury" derives from the Latin word "jurata" meaning "sworn" or "oath". In medieval England, juries were groups of sworn individuals who were responsible for giving testimonies or providing information in legal cases.
The term "grand" in "grand jury" refers to the size or distinction of this particular type of jury. The word "grand" originated from the Old French word "grant" meaning "big" or "great". A grand jury typically consists of a larger number of jurors compared to a regular trial jury and is associated with specific functions within the legal system.
It is important to note that the "grand jury" system was developed in England and later carried over to other English-speaking countries, like the United States, where it remains in use today.
Similar spelling words for GRANDJURY
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