What is the purpose of a Grand Jury?

The purpose of a Grand Jury is to examine the validity of an accusation before trial. This is a critical function within the legal system, as a Grand Jury investigates whether there is sufficient evidence to bring charges against a suspect. The proceedings are generally held in secret, and the Grand Jury assesses evidence presented by a prosecutor to determine if there is probable cause to indict the individual, allowing the legal process to move forward to trial. This protective measure helps ensure that individuals are not tried without a reasonable basis for the charges against them.

In contrast, while sentencing is handled by a different type of jury after a trial, a Grand Jury does not determine guilt or innocence. Instead, it serves as a preliminary step in the judicial process to ensure that only valid accusations proceed to the trial phase. Selecting jurors for a trial is the function of a different process altogether, involving jury selection procedures that occur after charges have been brought.