What does it mean to sit on a grand jury?

What does it mean to sit on a grand jury?

In California, a grand jury is a legal process common in federal and serious state felony cases whereby a jury of citizens from the community convenes to evaluate whether there is sufficient evidence to charge or indict the target for criminal offenses.

What happens in a typical jury trial?

The trial is a structured process where the facts of a case are presented to a jury, and they decide if the defendant is guilty or not guilty of the charge offered. During trial, the prosecutor uses witnesses and evidence to prove to the jury that the defendant committed the crime(s).

What is the difference between the duties of a grand jury and that of a trial jury?

A grand jury is involved early in a case. It is up to them to determine whether or not charges should be brought against a suspect. A trial jury, on the other hand, is involved at the end of a case, when it goes to trial.

Which court member dominates the grand jury?

The grand jury also has investigative authority, and it is to serve as a protective shield against unwarranted prosecution. In practice, however, grand juries are usually dominated by the public prosecutors, who are responsible for presenting the evidence to them.

How much do grand jurors get paid in California?

Compensation. Grand Jurors are compensated fifteen dollars per day for each day’s attendance as a grand juror. In addition, jurors are reimbursed for mileage.

Which statement is true of grand jury proceedings?

Which statement is true of grand jury proceedings? If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence, it submits an indictment to the court. Most criminal matters occur at the lesser felonies layer of the wedding cake model of crime.

What is a trial without jury is called?

Sometimes, both sides agree to let a Judge listen to the evidence and decide the case without a jury; this is called a “bench trial”.