Grand juries indict by plurality vote on a probable cause standard

Evidence

In most states, trial juries in serious criminal cases can convict defendants only by a unanimous vote. Grand juries, however, indict defendants by a plurality vote—from a simple majority to a two-thirds vote, depending on state law. Moreover, the standard that grand juries use in deciding whether to indict is probable cause, rather than the more stringent standard of beyond a reasonable doubt. — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 1711

Categorization

• XREF: Contrasts the reasonable-doubt standard of proof at trial with probable cause—a core hierarchy of evidentiary standards in criminal procedure. — connects to: The Fifth Amendment requires grand jury indictment for federal felony prosecutions — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 1701; Grand juries operate as secret, prosecutor-dominated accusatory bodies under a probable-cause standard. — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 1709
• DEFINE: Sharpens the distinction between probable cause and beyond a reasonable doubt, terms central to the course’s doctrinal vocabulary.

Broader Connections

• Grand juries operate as secret, prosecutor-dominated accusatory bodies under a probable-cause standard. #corroborates (1.00) — G. Alan Tarr, Judicial Process and Judicial…, 1709