How Grand Juries are Chosen

Differences Between a Criminal Case Jury and a Grand Jury by American Belle

The process for selecting a grand jury varies depending on the jurisdiction, but typically follows these general steps:

1. Eligibility: The first step in selecting a grand jury is to identify eligible individuals. In the United States, this typically means identifying citizens who are over 18 years old, have no felony convictions, and are able to understand and communicate in English.

2. Pool Creation: Next, a large pool of potential jurors is created. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as voter registration lists, driver's license records, or other public records.

3. Summons: Once the pool has been created, a summons is typically sent to a randomly selected group of individuals from the pool. This summons will inform the individual that they have been selected to serve on a grand jury and provide instructions on how to respond.

4. Selection: After receiving the summons, the potential jurors may be required to attend an interview or screening process to determine their eligibility and suitability for the grand jury. Those who are deemed eligible and suitable will be selected to serve on the grand jury.

What is he difference between a criminal case jury and a grand jury?

A criminal case jury and a grand jury serve different functions in the criminal justice system. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Purpose: A criminal case jury, also known as a trial jury or petit jury, is responsible for determining whether the defendant in a criminal case is guilty or not guilty of the charges against them. In contrast, a grand jury is responsible for determining whether there is enough evidence to charge a person with a crime, and to issue an indictment if they determine that there is.

2. Size: A criminal case jury typically consists of 12 people, while a grand jury can have anywhere from 16 to 23 members, depending on the jurisdiction.

3. Duration: A criminal case jury serves for the duration of a trial, which can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the complexity of the case. In contrast, a grand jury typically serves for a much shorter period of time, ranging from a few weeks to a few months.

4. Proceedings: In a criminal case, the jury is presented with evidence and witnesses by both the prosecution and the defense, and they must weigh this evidence to determine whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. In contrast, a grand jury proceeding is closed to the public, and the prosecutor presents evidence and witnesses to the grand jury in order to establish whether there is probable cause to charge the defendant with a crime.

5. Decision: A criminal case jury must reach a unanimous verdict in order to convict or acquit the defendant. In contrast, a grand jury decision does not require unanimity; instead, a simple majority vote is typically sufficient to decide whether to issue an indictment.

It's important to note that the specific rules and procedures for criminal case juries and grand juries can vary depending on the jurisdiction, so the above differences may not be true in all cases.

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