Which statement about grand juries is true?

Which statement about grand juries is true?

• A. It is a group that determines probable cause.
• B. It tries cases in open court.
• C. It issues warrants.
• D. It is a civil body.

Answer: (A)

Grand juries determine whether there is probable cause to indict a suspect. They are a panel of citizens who meet in secret, hearing evidence presented by the prosecutor. If the grand jury finds enough evidence, they issue an indictment (a true bill), allowing the case to proceed to trial; if not, they may issue a no bill. They do not try cases in open court—trial duties belong to petit juries. Warrants are issued by judges or magistrates based on probable cause, not by grand juries. And grand juries are part of the criminal process, not a civil body.

Grand juries determine whether there is probable cause to indict a suspect. They are a panel of citizens who meet in secret, hearing evidence presented by the prosecutor. If the grand jury finds enough evidence, they issue an indictment (a true bill), allowing the case to proceed to trial; if not, they may issue a no bill. They do not try cases in open court—trial duties belong to petit juries. Warrants are issued by judges or magistrates based on probable cause, not by grand juries. And grand juries are part of the criminal process, not a civil body.