Which of the following best defines a grand jury?

• A. A panel of jurors that decides guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• B. A judge who issues subpoenas.
• C. A body or person who hears evidence to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed and the person indicted committed the crime.
• D. A police unit that investigates crimes.

Answer: (C)

A grand jury is a group of citizens that screens criminal cases to decide whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime. They assess probable cause to believe that a crime occurred and that the accused committed it, not to determine guilt. If they find probable cause, they return an indictment, moving the case to trial. This is different from a trial jury, which decides guilt beyond a reasonable doubt after hearing the evidence at trial. Grand jury proceedings are usually secret, and the prosecutor presents the evidence; the accused typically does not present their case during this phase. The other options describe roles of judges or police investigators, not the grand jury.