Legal Definitions - bill of indictment

Definition: A bill of indictment is a legal document that is presented to a grand jury. The grand jury uses this document to determine whether there is enough evidence to formally charge the accused with a crime. If the grand jury finds that there is enough evidence, they will issue a true bill of indictment. If they do not find enough evidence, they will issue a no bill of indictment.

Example: John is accused of stealing a car. The prosecutor presents a bill of indictment to the grand jury, which includes evidence such as witness statements and surveillance footage. The grand jury reviews the evidence and decides that there is enough to formally charge John with the crime. They issue a true bill of indictment, and John is arrested and brought to trial.

Explanation: This example illustrates how a bill of indictment is used in the legal system. The prosecutor presents evidence to the grand jury, who then decides whether there is enough evidence to formally charge the accused with a crime. If they issue a true bill of indictment, the accused will be arrested and brought to trial.