Which statement best describes the role of the grand jury in criminal proceedings?

• A. It determines whether there is enough evidence to justify a trial.
• B. It decides guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
• C. It issues warrants for arrest.
• D. It conducts the trial.

Answer: (C)

The key role of the grand jury is to determine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime and bring the case to trial. They hear evidence, usually in secret, presented by the prosecutor and decide if there is probable cause to indict. An indictment is the formal charge that moves the case forward to trial before a judge or jury. The grand jury does not determine guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, which happens only at trial, and it does not conduct the trial itself. Arrest warrants, when needed, are typically issued by a judge or magistrate based on probable cause, not by the grand jury. So the best description is that the grand jury’s job is to assess whether there is enough evidence to justify bringing the case to trial via indictment.