What does "indictment" refer to in legal terms?

The term "indictment" refers specifically to a formal charge or accusation of a serious crime issued by a grand jury. This process typically occurs in the context of criminal law, where the grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecution and determines whether there is sufficient basis to formally charge an individual with a crime. An indictment serves to initiate criminal proceedings against a defendant and is a critical step in the judicial process for addressing serious offenses. The nature of an indictment as a serious criminal charge underscores its importance, distinguishing it from other legal documents or proceedings that pertain to different aspects of the law, such as sentencing recommendations, pleas, or civil lawsuits.