Can a grand jury indict based on evidence that would be inadmissible at trial?

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Grand juries determine probable cause and are not bound by the trial’s rules of evidence. Their job is to decide whether there is enough evidence to believe a crime was committed and that the suspect likely did it, not to decide guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Because the standard is probable cause, the grand jury may consider evidence that would be inadmissible at trial, such as hearsay or affidavits, if that evidence helps show a reasonable basis for indictment. The process emphasizes evaluating whether there is enough credible cause to proceed, rather than strict admissibility or cross-examination as in a trial. So an indictment can rest on evidence that would be inadmissible later in court.