True bill definitions
| Word backwards | eurt llib |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | true | bill |
| Plural | The plural of "true bill" is "true bills." |
| Total letters | 8 |
| Vogais (3) | u,e,i |
| Consonants (4) | t,r,b,l |
True bill is a term used in the legal system to indicate that a grand jury has decided there is enough evidence to move forward with a criminal trial. It is essentially an indictment or formal charge against a defendant.
Grand Jury Process
The grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecution and determines if there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed by the accused. If the grand jury believes there is enough evidence, they will issue a true bill.
Indictment
Once a true bill is issued, the defendant is formally charged with the crime and the case proceeds to trial. The indictment specifies the charges against the defendant and the evidence to be presented during the trial.
Legal Proceedings
Being handed a true bill is a significant step in the legal process as it signifies that the court believes there is sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial. The defendant will then have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges.
Preponderance of Evidence
During the grand jury process, the prosecution must present enough evidence to convince the grand jury that it is likely the defendant committed the crime. This standard is lower than the "beyond a reasonable doubt" standard required during a criminal trial.
Consequences
If a true bill is issued, the defendant will need to appear in court and face the charges brought against them. The outcome of the trial will determine whether the defendant is found guilty or not guilty of the crime.
True bill Examples
- The grand jury returned a true bill, indicting the suspect for murder.
- After reviewing the evidence, the prosecutor decided to present a true bill to the grand jury.
- The judge signed the true bill, authorizing the arrest of the suspect.
- The defense attorney challenged the true bill, claiming lack of sufficient evidence.
- The true bill was sealed until the suspect could be apprehended.
- The district attorney announced the true bill during a press conference.
- The true bill listed multiple charges against the defendant.
- The grand jury's decision to issue a true bill was based on testimony from key witnesses.
- The judge explained the meaning of a true bill to the jury before deliberations began.
- The prosecutor prepared the true bill to be presented at trial.