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Simple English definitions for legal terms
barebones indictment
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A quick definition of barebones indictment:
A barebones indictment is a written accusation of a crime that only uses the language of the law that was allegedly violated. It does not provide any details or facts about the crime. This type of indictment is allowed as long as the law clearly states all the necessary elements of the crime. A duplicitous indictment is one that charges multiple offenses in the same count or charges the same offense in multiple counts. A joint indictment charges two or more people with the same offense.
A more thorough explanation:
A barebones indictment is a formal written accusation of a crime that only cites the language of the statute allegedly violated. It does not provide a factual statement. This type of indictment is permissible as long as the statute sets forth all essential elements of the crime intended to be punished.
John is indicted for violating a statute that prohibits theft. The indictment simply states, "John violated the theft statute." This is a barebones indictment because it only cites the language of the statute and does not provide any factual details about the alleged theft.
This type of indictment is common in cases where the statute itself provides all the necessary information about the crime. For example, if a statute defines a crime as "knowingly possessing a controlled substance," an indictment that simply states "defendant knowingly possessed a controlled substance" would be sufficient.