Indictment

High school (ages 12+)
People & Society

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/indictment

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the procedural function?Acts as a preliminary screening mechanism before a criminal trial
2. Why does an indictment need a grand jury?A grand jury checks that there is probable cause before a person goes to trial. It protects people from being tried for only a suspicion or weak evidence.
3. How does an indictment help the justice system?It filters out weak cases early, so courts can focus on stronger ones. It also saves time and money and keeps the process fair.

Felony: A serious crime, typically punishable by imprisonment for more than one year.
Grand Jury: A body of citizens who hear evidence to determine if probable cause exists for an indictment.
Probable Cause: Sufficient reason based upon known facts to believe a crime has been committed and the accused is guilty.