What is an indictment?

An indictment is a formal legal document that serves as an accusation against an individual, alleging that they have committed a specific crime. It is typically issued by a grand jury, which reviews evidence presented by the prosecution to determine whether there is sufficient cause to charge someone with a criminal offense. This process ensures that serious charges can move forward to trial, reflecting a critical component of the justice system that protects individuals from unfounded criminal charges.

The other options do not accurately capture the legal definition of an indictment. While a legal document stating a person's crimes could be somewhat related, it does not specifically denote the formal accusation aspect that an indictment represents. Similarly, a type of plea in court refers to the defendant's response to charges, and a sentence given by the judge pertains to the outcome of a trial rather than the initiation of criminal proceedings. Thus, the choice that defines an indictment as a formal accusation specifically identifies its role in the legal system.