At common law a grand jury consists of not more than twenty-three persons and not less than twelve selected from the body of the county.1

Changes have been made in many of the states as to the number of persons constituting the full panel of grand jurors; in some not to exceed sixteen but none less than twelve.2 And it is the universal rule that twelve of the grand jury must concur in order to return a valid indictment.3

A grand jury may be organized with less than twenty-three - the number required by statute - but not with a less number than is required to constitute a quorum.4

It follows that if a grand jury be composed of a greater number of members than the number required by law, it will be an unlawful grand jury and consequently their proceedings would be void.5