An accusation charging a person with a public offense presented by a grand jury is known as what?

An accusation charging a person with a public offense presented by a grand jury is known as an indictment. This legal term refers specifically to the formal charge that is brought forward after a grand jury has reviewed evidence and determined that there is sufficient cause to believe that a crime has been committed.

The grand jury's role is to investigate and assess the evidence before them, serving as a safeguard against unfounded criminal charges. Once the grand jury decides that there is enough evidence, they will issue an indictment, which allows the prosecution to move forward with formal charges against the individual.

In the context of legal proceedings, an indictment is essential as it marks the progression from investigation to formal legal action, highlighting the grand jury's decision-making authority in the criminal justice system. Other options presented, such as information, warrant, and affidavit, refer to different legal concepts and processes. An information is a formal accusation initiated by a prosecutor without the need for a grand jury, a warrant is an order authorizing law enforcement to make an arrest or conduct a search, and an affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath for use as evidence.