In which part of the judicial process does the grand jury play a role?

The grand jury primarily functions during the indictment procedures in the judicial process. Its main role is to assess evidence presented by the prosecution to determine whether there is enough basis to formally charge a person with a criminal offense. If the grand jury decides that sufficient evidence exists, it issues an indictment, which is a formal accusation that charges an individual with a crime.

This process is crucial as it acts as a safeguard against unfounded criminal charges, ensuring that there is probable cause before a case moves forward to trial. While the grand jury does not operate during the trial phase, preliminary procedures, or sentencing hearings, its involvement in the indictment stage plays a vital role in the overall function of the judicial system.