DALE CARSON LAW

The main roles of a Florida grand jury are both investigating crimes and determining if the evidence is enough to indict a person for commission of a serious crime, usually a felony. The grand jury—usually an Estado’s process comprised of 15 to 21 jurors—is one of the steps in the entire process of criminal justice that ensures that the state does not continue prosecuting a suspect without probable cause. Grand juries are very valuable in preventing unjust prosecutions of citizens because they are independent from the prosecution and review burden of proof evidence represented by the prosecutor. Every decision of a grand jury doesn’t base the verdict on whether someone is guilty or not guilty, it only determines if there is sufficient evidence to bring that person to trial.

Moreover, a grand jury in Florida is also empowered to initiate an inquiry regarding issues of public concern. That is, they can undertake inquiries into public institutions, investigate allegations of improper conduct by public officials or employees, and even recommend improvements in the working of government—very vital functions in an open and responsible government. However, all their various decisions remain confidential to protect the reputation of the accused in those cases where the grand jury does not charge, and also to make sure that all the witnesses testify without fear and willingly. This secrecy is highly debated at times but is considered very essential for the successful working of the grand jury.