What does 'indictment' represent in a legal context?

In a legal context, an indictment is defined as a formal charge or accusation that a person has committed a serious crime. This process typically occurs after a grand jury reviews evidence presented by a prosecutor and decides that there is enough evidence to formally accuse someone. It is a critical step in the criminal justice process, moving cases from the investigative phase into prosecution. The purpose of an indictment is to ensure that an accused person is formally notified of the charges against them, allowing them the opportunity to prepare a defense.

The other options do not align with the definition of an indictment. For instance, a formal exoneration of a suspect embodies the opposite concept, focusing on clearing someone of charges rather than bringing them forth. The notion of a legal principle guiding court procedures pertains to rules and guidelines under which the legal process operates, which is not what an indictment conveys. Additionally, a document submitted to grant bail refers to a different legal process concerning the release of an accused individual pending trial, which is unrelated to the formal accusation represented by an indictment.