Question

Compare and contrast trial (petit) juries with grand juries.

Answer 1

A petit jury is a trial for civil and criminal cases. The petit jury listens to evidence presented by both parties during a trial and returns a verdict. A grand jury does not determine guilt or innocence, but whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime was committed. The evidence is normally presented only by an attorney for the government. If the grand jury finds probable cause, then it will return a written statement of the charge or an indictment.