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