What is an indictment?

What is an indictment?

• A. A formal written charge
• B. A court order
• C. A jury verdict
• D. A plea bargain document

Answer: (A)

An indictment is a formal written charge brought by the prosecution against a person, naming the accused and outlining the offences they are charged with. It marks the start of the formal process for trying a serious crime, setting out the specific accusations and often a brief summary of the alleged facts. It is not a court order, which would direct action from the court; it is not a jury verdict, which is the decision reached after a trial; and it is not a plea bargain document, which is an agreement to plead guilty in exchange for concessions. The indictment thus serves as the official written charge that moves the case toward trial.

An indictment is a formal written charge brought by the prosecution against a person, naming the accused and outlining the offences they are charged with. It marks the start of the formal process for trying a serious crime, setting out the specific accusations and often a brief summary of the alleged facts. It is not a court order, which would direct action from the court; it is not a jury verdict, which is the decision reached after a trial; and it is not a plea bargain document, which is an agreement to plead guilty in exchange for concessions. The indictment thus serves as the official written charge that moves the case toward trial.