18 February 2024
An indictment is a formal accusation or charge brought against an individual by a grand jury or a prosecuting authority, alleging that the person has committed a crime. It is a legal document that outlines the specific criminal charges and serves as the basis for the defendant’s trial in a court of law.
Indictment Definition & Meaning
Indictment Definition & Meaning: An indictment is a written statement of criminal charges against a person, typically used in common law jurisdictions. It is presented by a grand jury or a prosecutor after they have reviewed evidence and determined that there is enough probable cause to believe the accused committed the crime.
Origin Terms of Indictment
The term “indictment” has its origins in Latin. It comes from the Latin word “indictare,” which means “to declare” or “to charge.” The Latin word evolved into Old French “enditer” and Middle English “inditen,” which eventually gave rise to the modern English term “indictment.”
Related Terms
Related Terms of Indictment:
- Grand Jury: A group of citizens summoned to review evidence and decide whether to issue an indictment against a suspect.
- Prosecutor: The legal representative who presents the case against the accused in court.
- Allegation: A claim or assertion that someone has committed a crime.
- Criminal Charges: Specific accusations of unlawful conduct against an individual.
Indictments play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, as they set forth the charges against an individual and ensure that the accused has an opportunity to defend themselves in a fair and open trial. fendiharis.com – ( Date. August 02, 2023 08:12:01 )
