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

She is reported to have personally presented the Comey case to the grand jury - a panel of citizens who assess the strength of the case - that indicted him.

From BBC

A new prosecutor this week won a grand jury indictment against Comey on one count of making a false statement and one count of obstruction of a congressional proceeding.

From Los Angeles Times

On Thursday, federal prosecutors asked a grand jury to indict Comey on three charges.

From BBC

To secure an indictment, 12 members of a grand jury only need to vote for probable cause — not proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

From BBC

A federal grand jury in Virginia has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on two charges related to his testimony to Congress.

From BBC