What is the term for a legal entity that investigates whether criminal charges should be brought?

The correct answer is the term "grand jury." A grand jury is a legal body composed of citizens who are called to review evidence presented by the prosecution to determine whether there is sufficient cause to bring criminal charges against an individual. This process is a critical part of the legal system, especially in jurisdictions that utilize this mechanism, as it serves as a check on the government’s ability to prosecute.

The function of a grand jury is to ascertain whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and whether the evidence supports moving forward with formal charges, typically in the form of an indictment. The grand jury operates independently of the prosecution, providing an additional layer of scrutiny to ensure that charges are warranted.

In contrast, while an indicting body and prosecutors are involved in the process of bringing charges, they do not fulfill the role of investigating and determining the necessity of those charges in the same way a grand jury does. Defense counsel, meanwhile, represents individuals accused of crimes and works to protect their rights in the legal process. Thus, the grand jury is distinctly recognized for its specific purpose in examining evidence and deciding if charges should proceed.