How Grand Juries Are Selected
The Role of the Clerk of the Court
To determine the eligibility of prospective jurors, the clerk of the court sends each a mandatory questionnaire to complete. This questionnaire gathers information about the individual's demographics, education, employment, and any potential conflicts of interest.
Random Selection from a Fair Pool of Citizens
Federal law dictates that grand juries are selected from a fair pool of citizens randomly drawn from lists of registered voters or other sources. This ensures that the jury represents a cross-section of the community and is not biased toward any particular group or viewpoint.
Purpose and Nature of the Grand Jury
A grand jury is a body of 12 to 23 individuals assembled to evaluate accusations against a person or entity charged with a crime. Their primary purpose is to determine if there is probable cause to believe that the accused committed the crime. If they find probable cause, they issue an indictment, which authorizes the prosecution to proceed with a trial.
Term of Service and Compensation
Grand jurors may serve for up to 18 months. They are typically paid a daily stipend for their service and may also be reimbursed for expenses such as transportation and childcare.
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