What is the purpose of a grand jury and how does it differ from a trial jury?

The purpose of a grand jury is to determine whether there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges against an individual. It is a group of citizens, typically consisting of 16-23 members, who are selected to review evidence and hear testimony presented by the prosecution. The grand jury operates in secrecy and its proceedings are not open to the public.

Unlike a trial jury, which is responsible for determining the guilt or innocence of a defendant in a criminal trial, the grand jury does not decide on guilt or innocence. Instead, its main function is to assess the validity of the evidence presented by the prosecution and decide whether there is enough probable cause to formally charge the accused with a crime. The grand jury's decision is based on a lower standard of proof compared to a trial jury, as it only requires probable cause rather than proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Another key difference is that the grand jury operates at an earlier stage in the criminal justice process, before a trial takes place. It serves as a preliminary step to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial. In contrast, a trial jury is empaneled during the trial itself and is responsible for hearing the evidence, evaluating witness testimony, and ultimately rendering a verdict of guilty or not guilty.

Overall, the grand jury acts as a safeguard against unfounded or politically motivated prosecutions by ensuring that there is sufficient evidence to justify bringing charges against an individual. Its purpose is to protect individuals from baseless accusations and to uphold the principle of due process in the legal system.