Which term describes a formal charge issued by a grand jury?

Which term describes a formal charge issued by a grand jury?

• A. Information
• B. Waiver
• C. Complaint
• D. Indictment

Answer: (D)

An indictment is the formal charge issued by a grand jury. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecution and decides whether there is probable cause to charge someone with a crime. If they determine there is enough evidence, they return an indictment, which officially accuses the person and advances the case toward trial. This is different from charging documents used without a grand jury, such as an information or a complaint, which are filed by prosecutors or law enforcement. A waiver, by contrast, is not a charging document at all; it refers to giving up a right and is unrelated to the formal charging process.

An indictment is the formal charge issued by a grand jury. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecution and decides whether there is probable cause to charge someone with a crime. If they determine there is enough evidence, they return an indictment, which officially accuses the person and advances the case toward trial. This is different from charging documents used without a grand jury, such as an information or a complaint, which are filed by prosecutors or law enforcement. A waiver, by contrast, is not a charging document at all; it refers to giving up a right and is unrelated to the formal charging process.