Understanding the Grand Jury: Selection Process and Historic Significance
The Process of Jury Selection
Trial Juries:
To determine the eligibility of potential jurors, the clerk of the court mails out a mandatory questionnaire for them to complete and return. A jury of 12 to 23 individuals is then assembled to evaluate accusations against an accused person or entity.
Grand Juries:
Federal law dictates that grand juries are selected from a fair pool of citizens randomly drawn from lists of voter registrations and other sources. Like trial jurors, grand jurors are chosen randomly and may serve for up to 18 months.
Origins and History of the Grand Jury
The grand jury has a long and storied history dating back to the Middle Ages. Its origins can be traced to the "inquest," a sworn group of neighbors who gathered to investigate crimes and determine whether there was sufficient evidence to bring the accused to trial.
Over time, the grand jury evolved into its modern form, with its primary role being to investigate possible criminal activity and issue indictments, which are formal accusations against individuals or entities. Today, grand juries play an important role in the American criminal justice system, ensuring that only those cases with sufficient evidence are brought to trial.
Comments