The formal accusation by a grand jury charging a person with a crime is called which term?

Study for the New York State Court Assistant Legal Terminology Test. Utilize flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each complete with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

The formal accusation by a grand jury charging a person with a crime is called which term?

Explanation:
Indictment is the formal accusation issued by a grand jury when they determine there is probable cause that the defendant committed a crime. It serves as the charging document that moves a case toward trial and names the charges. This differs from an information, which is a charging document filed by a prosecutor without a grand jury; an injunction, which is a court order restraining or compelling action; and lis pendens, a notice filed to show a lawsuit affecting real property is pending. In many jurisdictions, indictments are used for felonies and reflect the grand jury process, while informations can be used in other circumstances.

Indictment is the formal accusation issued by a grand jury when they determine there is probable cause that the defendant committed a crime. It serves as the charging document that moves a case toward trial and names the charges. This differs from an information, which is a charging document filed by a prosecutor without a grand jury; an injunction, which is a court order restraining or compelling action; and lis pendens, a notice filed to show a lawsuit affecting real property is pending. In many jurisdictions, indictments are used for felonies and reflect the grand jury process, while informations can be used in other circumstances.

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