TRUE BILL Meaning and
Definition
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A "true bill" is a term used in the legal field to refer to a formal indictment issued by a grand jury, affirming that there is enough evidence to proceed with a criminal trial against a defendant. The grand jury reviews the evidence and hears testimonies from witnesses presented by the prosecution, assesses the credibility of the evidence presented, and ultimately determines whether there is sufficient cause to pursue a criminal case against the accused.
When a grand jury decides to issue a true bill, it indicates that they find the evidence presented convincing enough to merit a trial. The decision to issue a true bill means that the grand jury believes there is probable cause to believe the defendant committed the crime they are being accused of.
The term "true bill" is derived from the practice of grand jurors endorsing the bill of indictment with the Latin phrase 'a vera billa,' which means "a true bill." This endorsement signifies the grand jury's formal approval and authorization for legal action against the defendant.
Once a true bill is issued, the prosecutor may proceed to arraign the accused in a court of law, where they will be informed of the charges they are facing. The true bill serves as an important step in the criminal justice process, providing a formal confirmation that a case has met the required level of evidence and should proceed to trial.
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The formula by which the grand jury finds or approves a bill of indictment.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TRUE BILL
- rrue bill
- frue bill
- grue bill
- yrue bill
- 6rue bill
- 5rue bill
- teue bill
- tdue bill
- tfue bill
- ttue bill
- t5ue bill
- t4ue bill
- trye bill
- trhe bill
- trje bill
- trie bill
- tr8e bill
- tr7e bill
- truw bill
- truebill
Etymology of TRUE BILL
The term "true bill" originates from the legal terminology used in the English language. It is specifically associated with the process of indictments in the grand jury system.
In this context, a grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecution in order to determine if there is sufficient evidence to charge someone with a crime. If the grand jury decides that the evidence is compelling enough, they issue an indictment, which is a formal accusation or charge against the individual.
When the grand jury believes there is enough evidence to proceed with the case, they endorse the indictment with the phrase "a true bill". This indicates that the grand jury believes the accused should face trial based on the evidence presented.
On the other hand, if the grand jury determines there is insufficient evidence, they issue a "no bill" or "no true bill" decision, indicating that charges should not be filed.
Similar spelling words for TRUE BILL
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