Which type of jury is responsible for investigating accusations of a crime?

The grand jury is tasked with investigating accusations of a crime, serving a crucial role in the legal system. Its primary function is to review evidence presented by the prosecution and determine whether there is sufficient cause to formally charge an individual with a crime. This process, known as indictment, allows the grand jury to assess whether the evidence merits further legal action.

Unlike trial juries, which determine guilt or innocence in criminal cases after a full trial, or civil juries, which handle disputes between private parties, the grand jury operates in a preliminary stage. It does not determine guilt but rather evaluates whether there is enough evidence to proceed with prosecution. The grand jury typically consists of a larger group of jurors than a trial jury, and its proceedings are generally conducted in secrecy to protect the privacy of individuals under investigation and to encourage witnesses to speak freely.

Petty juries, another type of jury, typically refer to jurors made up for minor trials, usually in terms of misdemeanors. They do not serve a function regarding investigations like the grand jury does.