Definition of grand jury

The term "grand jury" originated in England during the medieval era when local communities would convene a group of prominent citizens, known as "goodmen," to investigate suspected crimes and determine if they should be presented to a trial jury for further action. These early juries, known as "presentment juries," were responsible for bringing indictments, or official accusations, against individuals accused of wrongdoing. The concept of grand juries evolved during the 14th century as part of a broader legal reform movement aimed at strengthening the role of the Crown in criminal prosecution. Under this system, grand juries became responsible for frequently meeting to review evidence and present indictments for criminal cases, rather than relying on local communities to initiate investigations ad hoc. The use of grand juries was enshrined in English law in the 1670 Bill of Rights, which guaranteed the rights of the accused against unlawful searches and confinement, as well as the right to a trial by a presentment jury. This principle was carried over to the United States through the Fifth and Sixth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, which require that all criminal prosecutions originate with a grand jury indictment unless the accused waives their right to one. In practice, a grand jury meets in secret to review evidence presented by a prosecutor and decides whether to issue an indictment or decline the case. This process helps to maintain the integrity of the criminal justice system by ensuring that only cases with sufficient evidence are brought before a trial jury and preventing overzealous or politically motivated prosecution.