General Glossary Terms

Grand juries are made up of groups of jurors and a judge who listen to evidence and decide if someone should be charged with a crime. Grand jurors are usually chosen from the same pool of people that provide trial jurors: A judge selects and swears in a grand jury, just as they do in trial juries. Grand Juries may meet (sit) over a longer period of time but they don’t typically meet every day. Grand juries hear evidence from just one side (the prosecution) before they decide whether someone should be indicted (formally charged) with a crime.

The person(s) you choose, should both parents die, to be responsible for the care, health, education, and welfare of minor children until they reach 18 years old. Guardians can also be chosen to provide care for pets should owners precede them in death. Permission should be sought of guardians in advance to be sure they are willing to take on this responsibility.