Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Liable to be formally accused of a crime: Describes an offense or a person that is subject to being charged with a serious crime, typically through a formal written accusation (an indictment) presented by a grand jury.
   • Meriting criminal prosecution: Refers to an act that is serious enough to warrant a criminal trial.

Usage

The adjective "indictable" is primarily used in legal contexts. It modifies nouns like "offense," "crime," or "suspect" to indicate that the matter is of a severity that requires or allows for indictment procedures. - It is often used in the phrase "indictable offense," which is a crime more serious than a summary offense (a minor crime tried without a jury).

Examples

• The judge ruled that the evidence presented was sufficient for the crime to be considered an indictable offense.
• Indictable suspects have the right to legal representation during grand jury proceedings.
• Fraud and armed robbery are generally indictable crimes.

Advanced Usage

• "Indictable" vs. "Summary" Offense: In many legal systems, crimes are categorized. An "indictable offense" is a serious crime (a felony) requiring a formal indictment and trial by jury. This contrasts with a "summary offense," a less serious crime (a misdemeanor) handled by a judge without a jury.
• "True bill": If a grand jury decides there is enough evidence for a trial, it returns a "true bill," which makes the charge formally indictable.

Variants and Related Words

• Indict (verb): To formally accuse someone of a serious crime by the procedure of indictment.
  • The grand jury voted to indict the official on three counts.
• Indictment (noun): A formal written accusation charging someone with a crime.
  • The indictment listed several charges of corruption.
• Indictee (noun): A person who has been indicted.

Synonyms

• Chargeable: Liable to be charged with a crime.
• Prosecutable: Able to be prosecuted in a court of law.
• Criminal: Pertaining to or involving crime. (Note: This is a broader term.)

Antonyms

• Non-indictable: Not subject to an indictment.
• Summary: (Of an offense) triable without an indictment, as by a judge alone.

Adjective

1. liable to be accused, or cause for such liability
   • the suspect was chargeable
   • an indictable offense