Charging Document
/ˈtʃɑːrdʒɪŋ ˈdɒkjʊmənt/
Definitions
- (n.) A formal written accusation initiating a criminal prosecution which outlines the charges against the defendant.
The prosecutor filed the charging document to begin the case against the suspect.
Forms
- charging document
- charging documents
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The charging document is central to criminal proceedings as it defines the scope and nature of the legal charges, making precise drafting critical to ensure clarity and procedural fairness.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.