Which term denotes a formal accusation issued by a grand jury?

Which term denotes a formal accusation issued by a grand jury?

• A. Counterfeit
• B. Coroner
• C. Deterrent
• D. Indictment

Answer: (D)

An indictment is a formal accusation issued by a grand jury. In jurisdictions that use grand juries, the panel reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor and decides whether there is probable cause to believe a crime occurred and that the named person committed it. If they find probable cause, they return an indictment, officially charging the person and initiating the criminal case. It’s a charging document, not a conviction. The other terms don’t describe a formal accusation by a grand jury: counterfeit is fake money, a coroner investigates deaths, and deterrent refers to something that discourages crime.

An indictment is a formal accusation issued by a grand jury. In jurisdictions that use grand juries, the panel reviews evidence presented by the prosecutor and decides whether there is probable cause to believe a crime occurred and that the named person committed it. If they find probable cause, they return an indictment, officially charging the person and initiating the criminal case. It’s a charging document, not a conviction. The other terms don’t describe a formal accusation by a grand jury: counterfeit is fake money, a coroner investigates deaths, and deterrent refers to something that discourages crime.