grand jury

American  

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.

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grand jury British  

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

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grand jury Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of grand jury

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

Example Sentences

Last year, a federal grand jury indicted Bolton on 18 counts.

From Slate • Jun. 26, 2026

Epshteyn pleaded not guilty in the case, which a state court sent back to a grand jury last year over due-process concerns.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 16, 2026

The inquest heard a grand jury in the US had determined there was insufficient evidence to charge anyone in connection with Lucy's death.

From BBC • Jun. 11, 2026

The program allows non-citizens to testify before a grand jury to mitigate consequences of actual or pending charges against them or others.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 4, 2026

As expected, on January 24, 1873, a grand jury indicted Anthony for “knowingly, wrongfully, and unlawfully” voting.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling