An indictment is a proper accusation issued by a grand jury, indicating that there’s sufficient proof to deliver prison expenses towards a person. Functionally, it serves as the start line for a prison prosecution. For instance, if an individual is suspected of fraud, a grand jury might evaluate the proof and, if persuaded, return an indictment charging the particular person with particular fraud offenses.
This occasion holds vital weight throughout the authorized system. It safeguards particular person rights by making certain a physique of residents opinions the proof earlier than the state can proceed with a prison trial. Traditionally, the indictment course of developed as a test towards potential abuses of energy by the federal government, requiring unbiased verification of possible trigger.
