Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) Practice Exam 2026 - Free TCOLE Practice Questions and Study Guide

The Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution addresses the right to a Grand Jury. This amendment includes several important legal protections for individuals, one of which is the requirement that serious criminal charges be initiated by a Grand Jury indictment. This means that before someone can be formally charged with a serious crime, a group of citizens (the Grand Jury) must review the evidence presented by the prosecution to determine if there is sufficient basis to charge the individual with a crime.

This mechanism serves as a safeguard against unfounded criminal charges and protects individuals from potential abuse of power by the state. The focus is on ensuring that there is enough evidence to justify moving forward with a trial, which is crucial in maintaining justice and upholding the rights of the accused.

The other amendments listed do not pertain to the right to a Grand Jury. The First Amendment deals with freedoms concerning religion, expression, assembly, and the right to petition the government. The Seventh Amendment provides for the right to jury trials in civil cases, while the Ninth Amendment addresses the rights of individuals that are not specifically enumerated in the Constitution, but none of these specify the Grand Jury right contained within the Fifth Amendment.