A grand jury is a type of jury that can determine if there is enough evidence for prosecutors to proceed with pursuing charges against a suspect. The Grand Jury of the City of St. Louis is established by Missouri law. The grand jury may investigate and return indictments in felony and misdemeanor cases occurring within the City of St. Louis. A grand jury is traditionally larger and distinguishable from a petit jury, which is used during a trial. There are certain requirements that each juror must fulfill before he or she may serve on a grand jury. A grand juror must be 25 years of age or older, a citizen of the United States, a resident of the City of St. Louis, and must not have any felony convictions.
Prospective grand jurors are summoned by the Jury Commissioner and are selected by the Circuit Judge presiding over Division 16. Grand jurors serve for three months, and there are four different grand jury terms each year. Some grand jurors serve regularly during their three-month term and others serve as alternates, as needed.
Grand Jury hearings are closed hearings to the public and all but a few individuals.
