To indict someone means to formally accuse or charge that person with a crime, typically through a legal process involving a grand jury or a formal accusation document. It is a formal step in the criminal justice system that officially starts criminal proceedings against the accused, often leading to a trial. An indictment outlines the specific crimes the person is charged with, and it is the basis for the accused to be tried in court.
Key Points about Indictment:
- It is a formal accusation of a crime.
- Usually issued by a grand jury or prosecutor.
- It marks the beginning of criminal trial proceedings.
- The accused can be indicted for serious offenses, often felonies.
- The process and rules can vary by jurisdiction but the core meaning remains a formal charge.
Thus, indicting someone means officially charging them with criminal conduct, enabling the justice system to move forward with prosecution.