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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of grand jury

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

Example Sentences

Grand jury proceedings aren’t public, but the court’s new policy expands a requirement for the department to disclose when prosecutors seek an indictment and a grand jury turns them down.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 17, 2026

A federal judge quashed grand jury subpoenas targeting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, finding no legitimate law enforcement purpose.

From Barron's • Mar. 13, 2026

But Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche reportedly demoted him after he allegedly leaked grand jury material, which is a federal crime, then lied about it to department leaders.

From Slate • Mar. 11, 2026

The case involved one Bradley Heppner, who was indicted by a federal grand jury for allegedly looting $150 million from a financial services company he chaired.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 2026

It’s been over two weeks since I talked to the grand jury, and now we’re waiting for their decision, which is similar to waiting for a meteor to hit.

From "The Hate U Give" by Angie Thomas