Grand Jury Decision: Evidence and Law Govern
Three Key Options for a Grand Jury
A grand jury plays a crucial role in the criminal justice system. Its primary responsibility is to review evidence and make informed decisions regarding potential criminal charges. Typically, a grand jury has three fundamental choices:
1. Indictment
If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused individual is responsible, it may vote to indict the person. An indictment formally charges the individual with the crime and triggers the formal trial process.
2. No Bill
If the grand jury determines that there is insufficient evidence to support criminal charges, it may issue a "no bill." This action essentially dismisses the case and prevents further prosecution of the individual for the alleged offense.
3. Dismissal
In certain cases, a grand jury may dismiss a case due to errors or irregularities in the proceedings or because the evidence presented was insufficient to meet the legal standards for an indictment.
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