What does an indictment represent in legal terms?

An indictment represents a set of written criminal charges brought against an individual by a grand jury. This legal document officially outlines the specific allegations that the government is asserting, and it indicates that there is sufficient evidence to bring the case to trial. The grand jury examines the evidence presented by the prosecutor and determines whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed, which is a critical step in the prosecution process.

In contrast, a formal verdict by a jury refers to the conclusion reached after a trial, determining the defendant's guilt or innocence based on evidence presented during that trial. A legal decision made by a judge does not encapsulate the indictment process but rather pertains to rulings, orders, or judgments given during the course of a legal proceeding. Lastly, a plea bargain agreement is a negotiation in which a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence or the dropping of other charges. Each of these alternatives serves a different function within the legal system, contrasting with the specific role that an indictment plays in laying out charges prior to a trial.