Indict means to formally charge someone with a crime, typically after a grand jury or similar authority decides there is probable cause to proceed to a criminal trial. It is a formal accusation, not a determination of guilt. Key points
- Basis: Usually requires a showing of probable cause to believe the person committed the offense.
- Body issuing it: In common law systems, a grand jury or prosecutor presents evidence to determine whether to issue formal charges.
- Result: An indictment (the formal charging document) is filed, guiding the subsequent criminal proceedings.
- Scope: Indicates that the case will move forward to trial, rather than being dismissed or kept private.
If you’d like, I can tailor this definition to a specific country’s legal system (for example, the United States, the United Kingdom, or another jurisdiction) or provide examples of how an indictment differs from a complaint, information, or an arrest.
