What is the formal charge issued by a grand jury?

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

Answer: (A)

Indictment is the formal charge issued by a grand jury. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor and decides whether there is enough probable cause to charge the person with a crime. If there is, they issue the indictment, which formally accuses the person and allows the case to move toward trial. This is different from an arraignment, which is the court appearance where the charges are read and the defendant enters a plea; an information, which is a charging document filed by a prosecutor without a grand jury; and a complaint, a sworn statement used to start a case in some jurisdictions.