What is the function of a grand jury in a criminal case?

The role of a grand jury is specifically to assess whether there is sufficient evidence, or probable cause, to believe that a crime has been committed and that a particular individual may be responsible for it. This process is essential in the legal system as it serves as a safeguard against unwarranted prosecution, ensuring that only cases with credible evidence are moved forward to trial.

A grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence, which is the role of a trial jury. It also does not decide on the nature of punishment, as that comes later in the judicial process after a conviction has been secured in a court of law. The grand jury acts as an investigative body in this preliminary phase, making its decision based on evidence presented by the prosecution without the presence of the defense.