noun

grand jury

a jury deciding whether charges should be brought

In more detail

1. (noun) a group of ordinary citizens who listen to evidence presented by prosecutors and decide whether there is enough reason to charge someone with a serious crime

2. (noun) the legal process or proceeding in which such a group meets and makes this decision

Examples

1. The grand jury heard testimony from witnesses and decided to indict the suspect.
2. The case will go to a grand jury next month to determine if charges should be filed.

How to use grand jury

Grand jury refers to a group of citizens (typically 16-23 people) who review evidence in serious criminal cases to determine if probable cause exists to indict a defendant. Used primarily in American legal contexts, it is a formal stage in the criminal justice process that precedes trial. The term can refer either to the jury itself or to the formal proceeding.

Common phrases

grand jury indictment
grand jury investigation
empaneled grand jury
grand jury subpoena
grand jury proceeding

Synonyms

jury · panel of jurors

Word family

grand juror

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse grand jury with petit jury (trial jury); a grand jury decides whether to indict, while a petit jury determines guilt or innocence at trial.

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