A committee has studied the issue of virtual grand juries; two pilot counties are waiting to begin; and critics are skeptical. Let’s consider a few points:    

• What is the issue? The Constitution guarantees defendants the right to indictment by a grand jury. Before a case may proceed to trial, defendants are entitled to have a grand jury of 23 citizens evaluate an abbreviated version of the evidence against them. If a majority of the grand jury finds there is probable cause and votes to indict, they return a “true bill,” and the case proceeds. Otherwise, the grand jury returns a “no bill” and charges are dismissed. In some instances, the prosecutor may return to the grand jury. 

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