Purpose Of The Grand Jury

“The purpose of the Grand Jury is to hear evidence against an accused person (or persons) and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial” (Worrall, 2016, p. 184). In other words, whether or not there is enough probable cause to indict a person of a felony crime or in cases of “great public or political significance” (Worrall, 2016, p. 186). The Grand Jury has significant investigative power and “in some case’s is able to issue an indictment faster than preliminary hearings” (Worrall, 2016, p. 186). It also provides a tremendous amount of privacy for the members of the Grand Jury and certain witnesses. Grand Jury’s are also afforded certain investigative immunities and subpoena powers. However, the Grand Jury
While often mistaken, it is not the responsibility of the Grand Jury to decide a guilt verdict. Their initiative is to ensure that due process is carried out and that the premise of probable cause is not dismissed for some of the more serious offenses. Although highly controlled by the prosecution, the Grand Jury is not to be tampered with or manipulated by the prosecution. Any attempt by the prosecutor to manipulate or malfeasance in the judicial system should be reported by the Grand Jury (Johnston, 1974, p. 160). It is this manipulation of this asset that can turn the Grand Jury into a (tool) for the prosecution instead of a patriot for justice. As in the case of State v Joao where prosecutorial manipulation was used to get the Grand Jury to indict Mr. Joao based upon the prosecuting attorney’s statement of the credibility of the defendant’s testimony (Johnston, 1974, p. 162). The Grand Jury has an inherent duty to protect “citizens against arbitrary and oppressive governmental action and exonerate any citizen of any false allegation” (Fully Informed jury Association,