What is the term for a jury that hears evidence in private to determine whether an indictment should be issued?

• A. Grand Jury
• B. Indictment
• C. Plea Bargain
• D. Petit Jury

Answer: (A)

A grand jury is a group that hears evidence in private to decide whether there is enough probable cause to bring criminal charges. They don’t determine guilt or innocence; instead, they assess whether a case should proceed to trial by issuing an indictment if the evidence suggests a crime likely occurred. The proceedings are typically secret to protect the reputation of potential defendants and to encourage witnesses to speak freely. This is distinct from an indictment, which is the formal charging document that results if the grand jury decides to proceed. It’s also different from a petit jury, which actually presides over trials and decides guilt or innocence, and from a plea bargain, which is a negotiated agreement to plead guilty in exchange for concessions.