Legal Definitions - charging instrument

Definition: A charging instrument is a legal document that formally accuses someone of committing a crime. It can be either an indictment or an information.

Example 1: An indictment is a charging instrument that is issued by a grand jury. It lists the charges against the defendant and is used in serious criminal cases.

Example 2: An information is a charging instrument that is filed by a prosecutor. It lists the charges against the defendant and is used in less serious criminal cases.

Both examples illustrate how a charging instrument is a formal document that accuses someone of committing a crime. It is an important part of the legal process and is used to ensure that individuals are held accountable for their actions.