Which item is not typically a function of a grand jury?

Which item is not typically a function of a grand jury?

• A. Capias
• B. Arraignment
• C. Indictment (true bill)
• D. Inquire into law violations

Answer: (B)

Grand juries are empowered to determine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone and to issue indictments (true bills); they can also participate in investigative inquiries into alleged law violations. Arraignment, on the other hand, is the formal court proceeding where a defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea, and it is conducted by a judge in court after an indictment has been issued. Because arraignment happens in the judicial courtroom after the grand jury has acted, it is not typically a function of the grand jury. Capias and the act of inquiring into law violations align more with the grand jury’s investigative and process-invoking roles, with indictment being the hallmark duty.

Grand juries are empowered to determine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone and to issue indictments (true bills); they can also participate in investigative inquiries into alleged law violations. Arraignment, on the other hand, is the formal court proceeding where a defendant is informed of the charges and enters a plea, and it is conducted by a judge in court after an indictment has been issued. Because arraignment happens in the judicial courtroom after the grand jury has acted, it is not typically a function of the grand jury. Capias and the act of inquiring into law violations align more with the grand jury’s investigative and process-invoking roles, with indictment being the hallmark duty.