Ninjaromeo t1_jedeq9m wrote on March 31, 2023 at 5:08 AM

Reply to comment by Icy-Farm-9362 in eli5 What does “indicted” mean? by jcw10489

To formally be charged or accused of a serious crime.

America and one other country has and extra step with the grand jury, and that part originated in england though I believe you no longer have the grand jury part as an extra unnecessary step

Icy-Farm-9362 t1_jedk66u wrote on March 31, 2023 at 6:13 AM

So, in the UK we just say...."arrested"? "Charged"? Not really sure.

Ninjaromeo t1_jedklre wrote on March 31, 2023 at 6:18 AM

In america, it is an additional step after arrested, but before the trial.

I am not sure that England had an extra step. But it is charged. Formally saying that there is enough evidence to have a trial.

Icy-Farm-9362 t1_jedllqx wrote on March 31, 2023 at 6:31 AM

So who decides if there is enough evidence to have a trial in the UK?

I don't think we have grand juries, so....just the police?

fightmaxmaster t1_jedmofz wrote on March 31, 2023 at 6:46 AM

I'm ill informed but maybe the CPS - Crown Prosecution Service. I think very roughly the police gather information and run it by / through the CPS, kind of a group of lawyers, who decide if prosecution is appropriate.

kevinmorice t1_jedscn3 wrote on March 31, 2023 at 8:06 AM

CPS in England / Wales.

Procurator Fiscal in Scotland.