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What are indictments?

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Answer:

An "indictment" is a document issued by a grand jury charging one or more persons with the commission of a criminal offense. In most states, a matter involving a "capital crime", that is, a crime punishable by death, must be submitted to a grand jury as the sole means of "charging" the person with the crime. Other felony and even misdomeanor offenses can be submitted to the grand jury but today they rarely are. Instead, the prosecuting officer having jurisdiction over the crime simply files an "information" with the court charging the alleged offender with the crime. After filing the "information", a "preliminary hearing" may be held wherein the judge determines if there is sufficient probable cause and reliable evidence to permit the matter to be submitted to a jury.

First answer by ID1088216470. Last edit by Newcentaur. Contributor trust: 4 [recommend contributor ]. Question popularity: 2 [recommend question].

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What is an indictment?
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