bill of indictment

American  

noun

Law.

1. a written accusation submitted to a grand jury for its decision.

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bill of indictment British  

noun

1. criminal law a formal document accusing a person or persons of crime, formerly presented to a grand jury for certification as a true bill but now signed by a court official

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Example Sentences

At the request of the prosecution, a second charge of causing her death by careless driving was added to the bill of indictment, which he pleaded guilty to.

From BBC • Sep. 18, 2024

Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis wrote an internal message Monday informing the department that the grand jury did not return a true bill of indictment in Shifflett’s case.

From Washington Post • Apr. 18, 2023

In New York state, a grand jury returns a true bill of indictment if a bare majority — 12 of the 23 sitting jurors — believes there’s enough evidence to proceed to a criminal trial.

From The Verge • Mar. 13, 2019

They have focused mostly on the unsustainable costs of college, but the spectacle of timid moral self-indulgence also deserves a place on the bill of indictment.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 13, 2015

After the Grand Jury had returned the bill of indictment for murder, the Clerk of Arraignment said: "William Kidd, hold up thy hand."

From The Book of Buried Treasure Being a True History of the Gold, Jewels, and Plate of Pirates, Galleons, etc., which are sought for to this day by Paine, Ralph Delahaye

Related Words

• indictment