What does a grand jury do?

A grand jury plays a crucial role in the legal process by determining whether there is sufficient evidence to formally charge an individual with a crime. This process serves as a check on the government's power to prosecute, ensuring that individuals cannot be accused without adequate proof being presented. The grand jury reviews the evidence presented by the prosecution and has the authority to either indict (charge) or not indict (forgo charges) the suspect based on whether they find probable cause to believe that a crime may have been committed.

While the other options represent important functions within the legal system, they do not align with the primary purpose of a grand jury. For instance, reviewing sentencing recommendations pertains to a different stage of the judicial process that occurs after a conviction, police officer evaluations relate to internal assessments within law enforcement agencies, and issuing warrants for arrest is typically the responsibility of a judge, not a grand jury. Thus, the grand jury's primary function is distinctly centered on evaluating evidence to determine if charges are warranted.