Which term refers to a formal document that charges someone with a crime after a grand jury's finding?

Which term refers to a formal document that charges someone with a crime after a grand jury's finding?

• A. Information
• B. Complaint
• C. Bill of Indictment
• D. Indictment

Answer: (C)

After a grand jury finds probable cause, the formal document that charges the person with a crime is issued. This written instrument is traditionally called a bill of indictment, which names the defendant and outlines the specific charges. While you’ll often hear simply “an indictment” in modern practice, the term bill of indictment refers to the formal written document produced by the grand jury. Information and complaint are charging documents used in different procedures that do not arise from a grand jury, so they don’t fit this context. Indictment is the general term for the charge itself, but the specific written form from the grand jury is the bill of indictment.

After a grand jury finds probable cause, the formal document that charges the person with a crime is issued. This written instrument is traditionally called a bill of indictment, which names the defendant and outlines the specific charges. While you’ll often hear simply “an indictment” in modern practice, the term bill of indictment refers to the formal written document produced by the grand jury. Information and complaint are charging documents used in different procedures that do not arise from a grand jury, so they don’t fit this context. Indictment is the general term for the charge itself, but the specific written form from the grand jury is the bill of indictment.