What is a Grand Jury?

A Grand Jury serves a specific and important role in the legal system, primarily in criminal law. It consists of a group of citizens tasked with reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution to determine whether there is sufficient cause to charge someone with a crime. This process involves evaluating the presented evidence and deciding whether to issue an indictment, which formally accuses an individual of a crime.

This function is distinct from determining guilt or innocence, which is the job of a trial jury. Unlike a trial where the focus is on reaching a verdict after hearing the defense and prosecution in a court case, a Grand Jury's role is purely investigatory and does not involve a trial setting. Therefore, evaluating evidence to make decisions about criminal charges is the core responsibility of a Grand Jury, making the choice accurate in describing their purpose.

The other options pertain to different roles within the legal process, such as the trial jury's role in determining guilt or innocence or the presence of judges and defense attorneys, which do not align with the function of a Grand Jury.