What is required for a grand jury indictment?

A grand jury indictment requires a unanimous decision from the jury. This process involves a group of citizens convened to review evidence presented by a prosecutor to determine whether there is enough evidence to formally charge someone with a crime. The need for unanimity emphasizes the high standard of proof required in this stage of the legal process and serves to protect individuals from wrongful charges.

In the context of the justice system, this unanimity ensures that all jurors are in agreement before any formal accusations are made, reflecting a collective judgment that aligns with the principles of fairness and justice. This standard is crucial because an indictment initiates serious legal proceedings, and therefore, it is imperative that the decision is supported by the full consensus of the jury members.