What is the role of a grand jury?

The role of a grand jury is primarily to inquire into evidence and determine if there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that a specific individual may be responsible for that crime. This process involves reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution, which may include witness testimony, documents, and other relevant material. The grand jury does not make decisions regarding guilt or innocence or sentencing; those decisions are made later in the criminal process during a trial if formal charges are filed. Additionally, a grand jury does not provide a defense for the accused; its purpose is to assess the evidence for the possibility of proceeding with criminal charges. This function is crucial in the legal system as it serves as a check on prosecutorial power, ensuring that individuals are not unjustly charged without sufficient evidence.