Grand Juries in Minnesota: A Guide for Prospective Jurors
What is a Grand Jury?
Definition:
A grand jury is a body of citizens summoned to consider evidence gathered by the State before a trial in a criminal case. The court must order that one or more grand juries be drawn at least annually. Jurors are on call for one week.
Role:
Grand juries determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and whether the accused should be indicted. They hear evidence from witnesses, review documents, and deliberate in secret.
How to Serve as a Grand Juror
Qualifications:
To serve as a grand juror, you must be:
- A U.S. citizen over the age of 18
- A resident of the county for at least 30 days
- Able to read, write, and speak English
- Not convicted of a felony or a gross misdemeanor
Selection Process:
Jurors are randomly selected from voter registration lists. You will receive a summons in the mail with instructions on how to contact the court and complete a questionnaire.
Time Commitment:
Jurors are on call for one week. You will need to be available to attend court proceedings as needed, which may include multiple days.
Responsibilities of Grand Jurors
As a grand juror, you have the following responsibilities:
- Review evidence and decide whether there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed
- Indict the accused if you find probable cause
- Deliberate in secret and make decisions by a majority vote
Grand Jury Secrecy
Grand jury proceedings are secret. This is to protect the rights of the accused and to ensure the integrity of the investigation.
Resources
- Minnesota Judicial Branch: Grand Jury Service
- Dakota County: Juror Reporting Information
- Minnesota Rules: Objections to Grand Jury and Grand Jurors
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