What is a grand jury?

A grand jury is indeed a group of citizens who evaluate accusations against the accused. This body is typically convened to determine whether there is enough evidence to formally charge an individual with a crime, which is commonly referred to as issuing an indictment. The grand jury's primary function is to act as a check on prosecutorial discretion, ensuring that there is a reasonable basis for the charges before legal proceedings can advance.

Unlike the trial jury, which decides guilt or innocence during a trial, the grand jury's role is investigative and protective of citizens against unfounded criminal charges. This process allows citizens from the community to weigh the evidence presented by the prosecutor and to ensure that charges are only brought when there is sufficient cause.

Other roles mentioned, such as that of a judge overseeing proceedings, a panel making sentencing recommendations, and a jury determining guilt or innocence, are functions of different components within the criminal justice system but do not define what a grand jury is or does.