Grand Juries in the United States
Determining Jury Eligibility
The process of selecting grand juries in the United States begins with the clerk of the court sending out mandatory questionnaires to prospective jurors. These questionnaires are designed to collect information about the jurors' backgrounds, qualifications, and potential biases.
Federal Law Requirements
Federal law requires that grand juries be drawn from a fair pool of citizens randomly selected from voter registrations and other reliable sources. The goal is to ensure that the jury represents a cross-section of the community and that no particular group is excluded.
Qualifications and Selection
To be eligible for grand jury service, citizens must meet certain criteria, including being at least 18 years old, a US citizen, and a resident of the district where the jury will serve. The court will review the questionnaires and select prospective jurors based on their eligibility and ability to serve impartially.
Grand jurors are typically selected for a term of up to 18 months and are responsible for evaluating accusations against individuals or entities. They play a critical role in the criminal justice system by determining whether there is sufficient evidence to issue an indictment, which is a formal accusation that can lead to a trial.
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