Pennsylvania law allows for the appointment of additional investigating grand juries when workload exceeds capacity. These grand juries have broad investigative powers, including subpoenas and contempt proceedings, to examine offenses within their jurisdiction. They can issue presentments but cannot indict.
When the attorney for the Commonwealth determines that the workload exceeds the capacity of the current grand jury, they can apply to the court to impanel additional juries.
They have broad investigative powers including subpoenas, initiating contempt proceedings, and examining offenses within their jurisdiction, but cannot indict.
No, investigating grand juries in Pennsylvania do not have the power to indict; their role is to investigate and issue presentments.
Offenses can be brought to the grand jury's attention by the court or the attorney for the Commonwealth.