What is the difference between indictment and charge?

Definitions

- A formal accusation of a crime made by a grand jury. - Referring to the process of formally charging someone with a crime. - Talking about a legal document that outlines the charges against a defendant.

- Referring to the act of formally accusing someone of a crime. - Talking about the responsibility or duty assigned to someone. - Describing the cost or fee for a service or product.

List of Similarities

  • 1Both words are related to the legal system and criminal justice.
  • 2Both words involve the formal accusation of a crime.
  • 3Both words can be used as verbs or nouns.
  • 4Both words have negative connotations.
  • 5Both words can result in legal consequences for the accused.

What is the difference?

  • 1Process: Indictment is a formal accusation made by a grand jury, while charge can be made by a prosecutor or police officer.
  • 2Severity: Indictment is typically reserved for serious crimes, while charge can be used for a range of offenses.
  • 3Timing: Indictment usually comes after an investigation, while charge can be made at any point during an investigation.
  • 4Scope: Indictment outlines specific charges against a defendant, while charge can refer to the act of accusing someone of a crime or the specific offense itself.
  • 5Usage: Indictment is more formal and legalistic than charge, which is more commonly used in everyday language.
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Remember this!

Indictment and charge are both related to the formal accusation of a crime, but they differ in their severity, process, timing, scope, and usage. Indictment is a formal accusation made by a grand jury for serious crimes, while charge can be made by a prosecutor or police officer for a range of offenses. Indictment is more formal and legalistic, while charge is more commonly used in everyday language.

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