New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What is a true bill in the context of legal proceedings?

1. An indictment handed down by a grand jury

2. A type of plea agreement

3. A civil case ruling

4. Exoneration of the accused

The correct answer is: An indictment handed down by a grand jury

A true bill refers specifically to an indictment that is issued by a grand jury. In the legal process, when a grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecution, they determine whether there is enough evidence to formally charge an individual with a crime. If the grand jury finds sufficient evidence, they return a true bill, which is the official endorsement that criminal charges should be brought against the accused. This step is a crucial part of the criminal justice system, as it provides a check on prosecutorial power and ensures that serious charges are only brought forward when there is enough evidence to warrant them. The other options refer to different legal concepts. A plea agreement involves negotiation between the defendant and prosecutors typically to resolve a case without going to trial. A civil case ruling pertains to decisions made in civil court, which deals with disputes between parties that usually do not involve criminal laws. Exoneration of the accused refers to a legal process where an individual is officially cleared of criminal charges, which comes after the trial process, rather than before it as in the case of a true bill.