What is the primary role of a grand jury?

The primary role of a grand jury is to determine if there is enough evidence to indict a suspect. This involves reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution and deciding whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused should face formal charges.

Grand juries play a crucial part in the criminal justice process by acting as a preliminary check on the government's power to prosecute individuals. They do not engage in trials, nor do they oversee sentencing, which are the responsibilities of trial courts and judges. Additionally, grand juries focus specifically on criminal cases rather than civil ones. This unique function helps ensure that individuals are not subjected to criminal prosecution without sufficient evidence.