Which of the following is typically NOT issued by a grand jury?

• A. Bill of Indictment
• B. Indictment
• C. Information
• D. Verdict

Answer: (D)

The important idea is what a grand jury actually does: it reviews evidence to determine if there is probable cause to charge someone and then hands down formal charges. When there is enough evidence, the grand jury issues an indictment (also known as a bill of indictment). In some jurisdictions, prosecutors can file an information instead of using a grand jury, but that charging document is not issued by the grand jury. A verdict, on the other hand, is the decision on guilt or innocence reached after a trial by a judge or jury. Since the grand jury doesn’t render a verdict, the item that is typically not issued by a grand jury is the verdict.