Definition

1. Noun:
   • A jury to inquire into accusations of crime and to evaluate the grounds for indictments: A group of citizens convened by a court to examine evidence presented by a prosecutor to determine whether there is probable cause to believe a person has committed a crime and should be formally charged (indicted).

Usage

• The term "grand jury" is used in the legal systems of some countries, most notably the United States. It functions as an investigative body, operating in secret, to decide if a criminal case should proceed to trial. It is distinct from a "trial jury" (or "petit jury"), which decides guilt or innocence at a trial.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The prosecutor presented the evidence to the grand jury.
  • The grand jury decided not to issue an indictment, so no charges were filed.
  • Serving on a grand jury is an important civic duty.

Advanced Usage

• "to be called before a grand jury": To be summoned to testify or provide evidence to a grand jury.
  • Several witnesses were called before the grand jury.
• "grand jury proceeding": The formal, secret process during which a grand jury hears evidence and deliberates.
  • The details of the grand jury proceeding are not made public.

Variants and Related Words

• Indictment (n): A formal accusation issued by a grand jury, charging a person with a crime.
  • The grand jury returned an indictment against the suspect.
• Grand juror (n): A member of a grand jury.
  • Each grand juror listened carefully to the testimony.

Synonyms

• Investigating jury: A less common term emphasizing its investigative role.
• Accusatory jury: A term highlighting its function of deciding on accusations.

Related Phrases

• "hand up an indictment": (Phrase) For a grand jury to formally deliver an indictment to a court.
  • The grand jury handed up an indictment for fraud.
• "no bill" / "true bill": (Phrases) The decisions a grand jury can make. A "no bill" means no indictment is issued; a "true bill" means an indictment is approved.
  • The grand jury returned a true bill, leading to an arrest.
  • After reviewing the case, the grand jury issued a no bill.

Noun

1. a jury to inquire into accusations of crime and to evaluate the grounds for indictments