Texas Basic Peace Officer Certification Practice Exam

A written statement of a grand jury accusing a person of an offense is known as what?

1. Complaint

2. Indictment

3. Information

4. Affidavit

The correct answer is: Indictment

The term for a written statement issued by a grand jury that formally accuses an individual of committing a crime is known as an indictment. An indictment is a critical legal document that serves as a formal charge, and it indicates that there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. In the context of the legal process, a grand jury hears the evidence presented by the prosecution and determines whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed. If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence, they issue the indictment, initiating the prosecution's case against the accused. Understanding this concept is essential for peace officers, as it highlights the role of the grand jury in the judicial system, the processes of charging individuals with crimes, and the importance of due process in law enforcement.