In which issue was joined
Categories: Criminal Law
Definition (1910 Edition)
and jury. jury of-inquiry who are summoned and returnby the sheriff to each session of the criminal courts. and whose duty is to receive complaints and accusations in criminal cases, hear the evidence adduced on the part of the state, and find bills of indictment in cases where they are satisfied a trial ought to be had: ‘They are first sworn, and instructed by the court. This is called a “grand jury” because it comprises a greater number of jurors than the ordinary trial jury or “petit jury.” At common law, a grand jury consisted of not less than twelve nor more than twenty-three men, and this is still the rule in many of the states, though in some the number is otherwise fixed by statute; thus in Oregon and Utah, the grand jury is composed of seven men; in South . kota, not less than six nor more than eight;
Source: Black's Law Dictionary, 2nd Edition (1910) — Public Domain.
UK commentary and modern updates are original additions. This entry is for educational
reference only and does not constitute legal advice.