Grand Jury Summons

Grand Juries in the Criminal Justice System

Introduction

Grand juries are distinct legal entities with specific functions within the criminal justice system. They differ from regular trial juries in several key aspects, including their role, composition, and procedures.

Grand Juries vs. Regular Trial Juries

Role

Grand juries focus solely on preliminary criminal matters, evaluating evidence presented by prosecutors to determine whether there is sufficient cause to indict a suspect. Regular trial juries, in contrast, are responsible for adjudicating guilt or innocence in criminal trials.

Composition

Regular trial juries typically consist of six or 12 individuals, while grand juries range from 16 to 23 members in federal cases. The composition and selection process of grand juries are governed by specific rules and regulations.

Rule 6 and Grand Juries

In the federal system, Rule 6 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure sets forth the specific guidelines for summoning, composing, and conducting grand jury proceedings. This rule ensures the secrecy and integrity of grand jury investigations.

Functions of Grand Juries

Although grand juries play a significant role in the criminal justice system, their function is often misunderstood. They do not determine guilt or innocence, but rather serve as a screening mechanism to prevent unfounded prosecutions.