Questions: What is the purpose of a grand jury?
To decide if there is enough evidence to charge the defendant with a crime.
Transcript text: What is the purpose of a grand jury?
To decide if there is enough evidence to charge the defendant with a crime.
Solution
Answer
The answer is: To decide if there is enough evidence to charge the defendant with a crime.
Explanation
Option 1: To determine if the prosecutor has proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
This is incorrect. The purpose of a grand jury is not to determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. That is the role of a trial jury in a criminal trial.
Option 2: To decide if there is enough evidence to charge the defendant with a crime
This is correct. A grand jury's primary function is to review evidence presented by the prosecutor and determine whether there is sufficient evidence to indict (formally charge) the defendant and proceed to trial.
Option 3: To sentence the defendant
This is incorrect. Sentencing is the responsibility of a judge after a defendant has been found guilty in a trial.
Option 4: To determine the guilt or innocence of the defendant
This is incorrect. Determining guilt or innocence is the role of a trial jury, not a grand jury. The grand jury only decides whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the defendant committed it.