Duties of the Grand Jury
A Grand Jury is a jury – a group of Citizens – empowered by law to conduct lawful proceedings
and investigate potential criminal conduct, and determine whether criminal charges should be
brought. A grand jury may subpoena physical evidence or a Person to testify. A grand jury is
separate from the courts, which do not preside over its functioning. Grand juries perform both
accusatory and investigatory functions. The investigatory functions of grand juries include
obtaining and reviewing documents and other evidence, and hearing sworn testimonies of
witnesses who appear before it; the accusatory function determines whether there is probable
cause to believe that one or more persons committed a particular offense. Traditionally, a grand
jury numbers 23 jurors.
Grand Juries by Anna
Grand Juries are authorized to investigate any crimes occurring in their jurisdiction and in that
capacity only they have the right to investigate any criminal activity promulgated … That, and
handing down the results of their investigation as either an indictment or presentment, is where
the power of the Grand Jury ends.
— Excerpts AVR #480 Continental Marshals
