A grand jury decides if there is a probable cause to indict (accuse) individuals or corporations on criminal charges based upon the evidence presented. Grand jury sessions are held in a private room with only the grand jury, which consists of 23 individuals, government lawyers, court reporters, an interpreter if needed, and the witnesses to be heard, all under oath.
Grand Jury Handbook (pdf), Updated October 2007
Juror pay
Model Grand Jury Charge - The charge is given by the judge presiding over the selection of the grand jury and it is the court's instructions to the grand jury as to its duties and obligations, and how to best perform them. A revised model grand jury charge was approved by the Judicial Conference of the United States in 2005. |