What does an indictment refer to?

An indictment refers to a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, typically issued by a grand jury after reviewing evidence presented by a prosecutor. This legal process serves as a critical check on government power, ensuring that no individual can be charged with a crime without sufficient evidence. The purpose of an indictment is to formally outline the charges against an individual, allowing them to understand the accusations they face and prepare a defense.

The significance of an indictment lies in its role within the criminal justice system; it moves a case from the investigative stage to the prosecutorial stage. It indicates that there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial, showcasing the prosecution's belief that they can prove the accused's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Other options, while related to legal proceedings, do not define an indictment. A plea of not guilty pertains to how an accused responds to charges rather than being a formal accusation itself. A type of bail hearing is related to pre-trial release conditions, and a legal defense strategy refers to the approach that a defendant may take during trial, neither of which captures the essence of what an indictment is.