Definition

Noun: A formal, written legal document prepared by a prosecuting attorney that formally accuses a person of committing a specific crime or offense. It is presented to a grand jury to determine if there is enough evidence to bring the person to trial.

Usage

This term is used in formal legal contexts, specifically within the criminal justice system. It refers to the official charging instrument that initiates a prosecution.

Examples

• The prosecutor presented the bill of indictment to the grand jury for their consideration.
• After reviewing the evidence, the grand jury returned a true bill of indictment against the suspect.
• The defense attorney requested a copy of the bill of indictment to prepare the case.

Advanced Usage

• "to find/return a true bill of indictment": This is the formal statement from a grand jury that they believe there is sufficient evidence for the charges in the document to proceed to trial.
• "to quash an indictment": This refers to a judge's decision to dismiss or throw out the charges in the bill of indictment, often due to a legal defect.

Variants and Related Words

• Indictment (n.): This is the more common and general term for the formal accusation or the document itself. "Bill of indictment" is a more specific, formal name for the same document.
• Charge (n.): A less formal term for an accusation of a crime.
• Accusation (n.): A general statement claiming someone has done something wrong or illegal.

Synonyms

• Formal charge
• Accusatory instrument
• Criminal complaint (in some jurisdictions, though a complaint is typically used for misdemeanors, while an indictment is for felonies)

Antonyms

• Acquittal
• Exoneration
• Vindication

Noun

1. a formal document written for a prosecuting attorney charging a person with some offense