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Indictment

An indictment is a formal charge or accusation that someone has committed a crime. It is typically issued by a grand jury, which is a group of citizens who review evidence presented by prosecutors. If the grand jury finds enough evidence to support the charge, they will issue the indictment. This legal document outlines the specific criminal offenses the person is accused of and is an essential step in the criminal justice process, usually leading to a trial. An indictment means there is sufficient evidence to formally accuse someone, but it does not imply guilt.

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    An indictment is a formal accusation that someone has committed a crime. It is typically issued by a grand jury after reviewing evidence presented by a prosecutor. The purpose of an indictment is to determine whether there is enough evidence to charge the individual formally and proceed to trial. It serves as an important legal safeguard, ensuring that serious charges are substantiated and allowing the accused to understand the allegations against them. An indictment does not determine guilt or innocence; it merely initiates the legal process.