Define: True Bill

A true bill is a formal written statement issued by a grand jury that indicates there is enough evidence to charge a person with a crime.

A true bill and an indictment are essentially the same thing. In some jurisdictions, the term “true bill” is used instead of “indictment” to refer to the formal charging document issued by a grand jury.

A true bill is issued by a grand jury, which is a group of citizens selected to review evidence and determine whether there is enough evidence to charge someone with a crime.

After a true bill is issued, the person named in the document is formally charged with the crime and the case proceeds to trial.

Yes, a true bill can be challenged or dismissed. The defence can argue that there was insufficient evidence presented to the grand jury or that the grand jury was biased or improperly instructed.

The standard of proof required for a true bill is usually lower than the standard of proof required for a conviction at trial. In most jurisdictions, the grand jury only needs to find that there is probable cause to believe the person committed the crime.

In some cases, a true bill can be sealed or kept confidential, especially if it involves sensitive information or ongoing investigations. However, this is determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the laws of the jurisdiction.

The length of time it takes for a grand jury to issue a true bill can vary depending on the complexity of the case and the workload of the grand jury. It can range from a few days to several weeks or even months.

Once a true bill is issued, it is difficult to overturn. However, if new evidence emerges that significantly undermines the case or if there was misconduct during the grand jury proceedings, it may be possible to challenge the true bill.

If a grand jury does not issue a true bill, it means they did not find enough evidence to charge the person with a crime. In such cases, the person is not formally charged and the case does not proceed to trial.