Kern County
What is a Grand Jury?
An Overview of the Grand Jury System
A grand jury is a legal body composed of a group of citizens empowered by law to conduct legal proceedings, investigate potential criminal conduct, and determine whether there is probable cause to issue an indictment. Typically, grand juries are comprised of laypeople, rather than legal professionals, and are convened for the purpose of determining whether the evidence presented by the prosecutor is sufficient to warrant bringing a criminal case against an individual or individuals.
Functions of a Grand Jury
The primary function of a grand jury is to review the evidence presented by the prosecution and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to support the charges being brought against an individual or individuals. If the grand jury finds that there is sufficient evidence, it will issue an indictment, which is a formal accusation that initiates the criminal prosecution process. If the grand jury does not find sufficient evidence, it will decline to issue an indictment, effectively ending the criminal case.
Composition and Selection of Grand Juries
Grand juries are typically composed of 12 to 23 individuals who are randomly selected from the community. The selection process is designed to ensure that the grand jury is representative of the community it serves and that no particular group or perspective is overrepresented. Grand jurors are typically required to serve for a specific period of time, such as six months or one year.
Confidentiality and Secrecy
Grand jury proceedings are confidential and are closed to the public. This secrecy is designed to protect the rights of the accused and to ensure that the grand jury can conduct its investigations and deliberations independently and without external influence. Grand jurors are sworn to secrecy and are prohibited from discussing the details of the proceedings with anyone outside of the jury room.
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