The primary function of a grand jury is to hear and examine _________.

The primary function of a grand jury is to hear and examine evidence. A grand jury is a legal body that is empowered to conduct legal proceedings, including investigating potential criminal conduct and determining whether there is sufficient evidence to bring charges, or what is often referred to as "indictment."

In this capacity, the grand jury reviews the evidence presented by the prosecution, which may include documents, witness testimonies, and physical evidence, to decide if there is enough probable cause to formally accuse someone of a crime. This process is conducted in secret, ensuring that witness testimonies and evidence remain confidential during the preliminary stages of legal proceedings.

While testimonies, arguments, and charges are all components of the legal process, the grand jury's specific focus is on the evidence presented by the prosecutors to ascertain whether it justifies moving forward with criminal charges. This ensures that there is a level of protection against unfounded accusations, as the grand jury must assess the presented evidence before any charges can be formally filed in court.