Type:
Jury FAQ
Answer:
- Petit Jury: A petit jury is a trial jury for both civil and criminal cases. The petit jury listens to evidence offered during a trial and returns a verdict. A verdict in a civil case may be a finding for the plaintiff or for the defendant. A verdict in a criminal case finds the defendant guilty or not guilty.
- Grand Jury: A grand jury hears only criminal matters. The grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence, but whether probable cause exists that a crime was committed. Generally, the evidence is presented by an attorney for the government. The grand jury determines from this evidence whether the government files formal charges against one or more individuals. If probable cause exists, the grand jury will return a written statement of the charges called an "indictment."