How Do You Spell GRAND-JURY?

Pronunciation: [ɡɹˈandd͡ʒˈʊ͡əɹi] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "grand-jury" is straightforward when broken down phonetically using the IPA transcription system. The word consists of two distinct syllables with the first syllable "grand" being pronounced as /ɡrænd/ and the second syllable "jury" being pronounced as /ˈdʒʊəri/. The word "grand" is pronounced with a hard "g" sound followed by an "r" sound while "jury" is pronounced with a soft "j" sound followed by a long "u" sound and an "r" sound. Together, these syllables create the word "grand-jury", which refers to a legal process for determining if there is enough evidence to hold a trial.

GRAND-JURY Meaning and Definition

  1. A grand jury is a panel of individuals, typically consisting of citizens, who are responsible for determining if there is enough evidence to proceed with a criminal case. Their role is to review the evidence presented by the prosecutor and decide whether there is probable cause to indict the accused person. Unlike a trial jury, a grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence, but instead focuses on the initial stage of the legal process.

    Grand juries are convened in the United States and some other countries, and their purpose is to serve as a safeguard against unfounded or politically motivated prosecutions. They ensure that the charges brought against a defendant are based on a reasonable belief that a crime has been committed and there is factual support for the allegations.

    Typically, grand juries comprise 16 to 23 members who are chosen randomly or through a selection process. Proceedings of a grand jury are usually conducted in private, allowing witnesses and evidence to be presented without public scrutiny. This allows witnesses to speak more freely and protects individuals who may be called to testify against potential retaliation.

    The panel's decision is determined by a majority vote, with the majority required to find probable cause for an indictment. If the grand jury decides there is enough evidence, a true bill is issued, and the accused person will face a trial in a regular court with a trial jury. However, if the grand jury does not find sufficient evidence, a no true bill is issued, and the charges are dropped.

Common Misspellings for GRAND-JURY

  • grand jurey
  • grnd jury
  • grandjury
  • grand jury
  • grand jurry
  • grand juryy
  • grandjurey
  • grandpjury
  • grand0-jury
  • grand-0jury
  • grandp-jury
  • grand-pjury
  • grand--jury

Etymology of GRAND-JURY

The term "grand jury" originated from Old French. The word "grand" comes from the Latin word "grandis", which means big or great. Meanwhile, "jury" is derived from the Latin word "iurare", meaning to swear, referring to the sworn oath taken by jurors. The term "grand jury" was first used in the 14th century in England to distinguish it from a "petit jury", which is a trial jury.

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