What is the purpose of a grand jury indictment?

A grand jury indictment serves a critical function within the judicial process by examining evidence to determine whether there is enough justification to file formal charges against an individual suspected of committing a crime. This process involves a group of citizens who listen to the evidence presented by the prosecution and assess its sufficiency without the presence of a defense attorney. If the grand jury believes there is probable cause, they will issue an indictment, which formally charges the individual and allows the case to proceed to trial.

The purpose of this mechanism is to protect individuals from unfounded accusations, ensuring that there is a level of scrutiny applied before someone is formally charged with a crime, thus upholding a fundamental principle of justice. This process is distinct from other stages of the judicial system—such as acquitting the defendant, sentencing, or determining bail—which serve different roles within the legal framework. The grand jury's role is solely focused on the determination of whether to bring charges based on an assessment of the evidence.