grand jury

noun

1. a jury, at common law, of 12 to 23 persons, designated to inquire into alleged violations of the law in order to ascertain whether the evidence is sufficient to warrant trial.

grand jury

noun

1. law (esp in the US and, now rarely, in Canada) a jury of between 12 and 23 persons summoned to inquire into accusations of crime and ascertain whether the evidence is adequate to found an indictment. Abolished in Britain in 1948 Compare petit jury

grand jury

1. A jury that decides whether the evidence warrants bringing an accused person to trial. Once indicted (see indictment) by a grand jury, a person must stand trial.

Word History and Origins

Origin of grand jury¹

First recorded in 1490–1500, grand jury is from Anglo-French graund juree

Example Sentences

This week, however, a grand jury reviewed the case and ultimately indicted Caravello on a felony count of assaulting a federal agent.

From Los Angeles Times

A federal grand jury in Santa Ana indicted Adrian Martinez, 20, on the charge of conspiracy to impede a federal officer, after he tried to intervene in an immigration arrest in June.

From Los Angeles Times

But the D.C. grand jury declined to indict — not once, not twice, but at least four times this month.

From Salon

A Times investigation last month found that his aggressive pursuit of charges against people protesting immigration enforcement in Southern California has led to weak cases being rejected again and again by grand juries.

From Los Angeles Times

That comes after a grand jury three times rejected the same kind of charge against a woman who was arrested after being shoved against a wall by an immigration agent.

From Los Angeles Times