What is an indictment?

An indictment is a formal accusation that typically involves a decision made by a grand jury, which reviews evidence presented by a prosecutor. When a grand jury issues an indictment, it signals that there is enough evidence to formally charge an individual with a crime, leading to a trial. This process is essential in the legal system as it serves to protect individuals from unfounded criminal charges, ensuring that serious accusations receive thorough scrutiny before proceeding.

The other options do not accurately describe an indictment. A summary of court trial outcomes refers to the results of trials rather than the initiation of charges. A plea agreement involves negotiations between the prosecution and the defendant but does not involve a grand jury and is not the same as an indictment. A charge that is dismissed without trial indicates that a case will not proceed but does not imply that a formal accusation like an indictment has occurred.