Grand Jury Selection Process Georgia

Georgia Grand Juries: A Deep Dive

An Overview of Georgia's Grand Jury System

Georgia employs a grand jury system, a unique feature not shared by all states. In Georgia, prosecutors are required to obtain an indictment from a grand jury before proceeding with serious crimes such as murder, rape, and kidnapping.

The Grand Jury Process

Prospective grand jurors are selected from a pool of citizens. The selection process involves completing a questionnaire and undergoing an interview. Individuals selected to serve on a grand jury typically do so for approximately seven weeks.

The grand jury's primary responsibility is to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. They hear evidence presented by the prosecutor and decide whether to issue an indictment, which is a formal accusation that a crime has been committed.

Foreman of the Grand Jury

When a grand jury is assembled to investigate criminal activity, one member is appointed as the foreman. The foreman presides over the grand jury proceedings, ensuring that the process is conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.