Federal Grand and Petit Jury Trial Processes Differentiated

Similarities in Evidence Presentation and Indictment

The grand jury and petit jury processes in federal court share some similarities. In both cases, the prosecutors' office presents evidence to either indict someone (in the case of a grand jury) or to convince the jury of the defendant's guilt (in the case of a petit jury).

Key Differences: Grand Jury vs. Petit Jury

However, there are also some key differences between grand and petit juries:

Privacy

Grand jury proceedings are private, while petit jury trials are generally open to the public.

Function

Grand juries determine whether there is enough evidence to bring criminal charges against someone, while petit juries decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty.

Number of Jurors

Grand juries typically consist of 16-23 jurors, while petit juries typically consist of 6-12 jurors.

Conclusion

The grand jury and petit jury processes are two essential components of the federal criminal justice system. While they share some similarities, they also have some key differences that serve distinct purposes. Understanding these differences is crucial for ensuring that the rights of both the accused and the public are protected.