Difference Between Grand and Petit Juries: A Legal Distinction
Grand Jury Overview
Definition and Role:
A grand jury is a legal body consisting of ordinary citizens who assess evidence presented by prosecutors to determine if there is sufficient cause to indict an individual for a crime.
Function:
The grand jury's role is to screen criminal indictments, evaluating whether probable cause exists to believe a defendant committed an offense.
Petit Jury Overview
Composition and Duration:
A petit jury is typically composed of 6 to 12 individuals who serve for the duration of a trial or a few weeks of a lengthy trial.
Responsibility:
Petit juries bear the responsibility of determining guilt or innocence in criminal or civil cases by weighing the evidence presented by both parties.
Public Nature:
Unlike grand jury proceedings, which are private, petit jury trials are generally open to the public, allowing for transparency and accountability in the judicial process.
Conclusion
The distinction between grand and petit juries is crucial in ensuring a fair and impartial criminal justice system. While grand juries screen indictments without determining guilt, petit juries play a vital role in adjudicating cases, holding individuals accountable, and preserving the constitutional right to a trial by a jury of one's peers.
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