What is the role of a Grand Jury in the legal system?

The role of a Grand Jury in the legal system primarily involves reviewing evidence presented by a prosecutor to determine whether there is sufficient basis to bring criminal charges against an individual. This process is crucial as it serves as a safeguard against unfounded criminal accusations.

When a Grand Jury hears criminal accusations, it deliberates on the evidence and then decides whether to return an indictment, which formally charges someone with a crime. If the Grand Jury does not find enough evidence, it can choose to refuse to indict, effectively halting the prosecution from moving forward. This function upholds the principle of due process, ensuring that individuals are not unjustly prosecuted without a foundational basis of evidence.

The other options reference roles that are not associated with a Grand Jury. Oversight of the law execution is typically handled by law enforcement and the judiciary, civil trials are conducted by juries or judges in civil court settings, and the representation of defendants falls under the duty of attorneys, not a Grand Jury. Therefore, the correct understanding of the Grand Jury's role is specifically as a body that evaluates criminal accusations to decide on future legal proceedings.