What is the Difference Between a Grand Jury and a Jury Trial?

Navigating the complexities of the Massachusetts legal system requires a clear understanding of key terms. A grand jury and trial jury play distinct yet pivotal roles in the judicial process, influencing the course of a case from its inception to its conclusion. A grand jury is responsible for determining whether there’s enough probable cause to charge someone with a crime. Contrastingly, a trial jury decides on the guilt or innocence of an accused individual. With our expertise, Nate Amendola Defense is dedicated to guiding our clients through each step of their legal journey, ensuring they understand the intricacies of these crucial legal components.

A grand jury in Massachusetts is an essential element of the criminal justice system, particularly for serious offenses. It comprises 23 members from the community, whose primary function is to evaluate evidence presented by the prosecutor to determine if there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and that the accused is responsible. This process, known as an indictment, is pivotal in deciding whether a case should proceed to trial.

The proceedings of a grand jury are conducted in secret. This secrecy is intended to protect the reputation of the accused if the jury decides against indictment. During these proceedings, only the grand jurors, the prosecutor, and witnesses giving testimony are present. Notably, the accused and their defense attorney are typically absent and do not present their side at this stage. As the grand jury does not judge guilt or innocence but only assesses the sufficiency of evidence for trial.

Jury trials are a cornerstone of the criminal justice system in Massachusetts, embodying the principle of being judged by one’s peers. In a jury trial, a group of citizens, known as jurors, are selected to hear a case. Their role is to objectively evaluate the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defense and to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused based on this evidence. The jury’s decision, known as a verdict, must be unanimous in criminal cases.

The process begins with the selection of jurors, who are tasked with listening to testimonies, examining evidence, and following the judge’s instructions regarding the law. Both the prosecution and defense have opportunities to present their cases, including calling witnesses and presenting physical evidence. The defense, representing the accused, also has the right to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses. After both sides have presented their cases and made closing arguments, the jury deliberates in private to reach a verdict.