What is the primary function of a grand jury?

The primary function of a grand jury is to decide if there is sufficient evidence to indict someone. A grand jury is a group of citizens convened to review evidence presented by the prosecution in order to determine whether there is enough evidence to formally charge an individual with a crime. This process serves as a preliminary check on prosecutorial power, ensuring that individuals are not unjustly accused or brought to trial without adequate evidence.

The purpose of the grand jury is not to establish guilt or innocence, which is a role reserved for trial juries. Instead, it focuses solely on the question of whether charges are warranted based on the evidence at hand. The grand jury operates in secrecy, and its proceedings are not open to the public, which further protects the accused's rights during this initial stage of the legal process.

In contrast to this role, determining a verdict in a trial is the responsibility of a trial jury, supervising witness testimonies falls under the duties of the court during a trial, and providing legal counsel to defendants is the responsibility of defense attorneys, thus highlighting the unique and crucial function that a grand jury serves in the justice system.