Category:Indictment

In*dict"ment, n. Etym: [Cf. Inditement.]

1. The act of indicting, or the state of being indicted.

2. (Law)

Defn: The formal statement of an offense, as framed by the prosecuting authority of the State, and found by the grand jury.

Note: To the validity of an indictment a finding by the grand jury is essential, while an information rests only on presentation by the prosecuting authority.

3. An accusation in general; a formal accusation. Bill of indictment. See under Bill.