The jury is then sworn, and, after being charged by the court, retires to a private room and proceeds to the performance of its duty.
The deliberations of the grand jury are conducted in secret.

It may, however, summon and examine witnesses, [Footnote: Witnesses for the accused are not usually examined by the grand jury.] and may have the advice of the court or of the county attorney.
The fact that a crime has been committed within the county may be brought to the notice of the grand jury by any member thereof or by any other person.

If upon examination there seems to be reason for believing that it was committed by the person accused, the county attorney is called upon to frame a formal accusation against him, called an _indictment_, which is endorsed with the words "a true bill," and sent to the court.

Upon the indictment the person accused is arrested and tried.
If the evidence against the accused is insufficient to warrant indictment, but yet his innocence is questionable, the grand jury may bring a _presentment_ against him.

This is an informal statement in writing addressed to the court setting forth the offense and stating that there is a reasonable probability that a certain person, named, has committed it.