What is the role of the grand jury in indictments?

• A. To review evidence and issue an indictment if there is probable cause
• B. To prosecute the case in court
• C. To determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
• D. To oversee sentencing

Answer: (A)

Grand juries serve as a screening step before formal charges. They hear evidence presented by the prosecutor in private and decide whether there is probable cause to believe the accused committed a crime. If the grand jury agrees, they issue an indictment, a formal accusation that sets the case for trial. They do not prosecute the case, determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, or oversee sentencing—the roles of the prosecutor, a trial jury or judge, and the sentencing court, respectively. In some jurisdictions, cases may proceed by information or preliminary hearing instead of a grand jury, but when a grand jury is used, its job is to assess probable cause and return an indictment.