True Bill Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of True Bill, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is True Bill?

The written words which are endorsed on the bill of indictment by the jury indicating , that they have heard the evidences and witnesses from the government or prosecution whereby it is their joint opinion that the accused person must be put on the trial.

History and Meaning of True Bill

A true bill is a legal term that refers to a decision made by a grand jury to indict an accused person of a crime. The term originated in medieval England when a bill of indictment was created by the jury with their endorsement of "true bill." Essentially, the endorsement meant that there was enough evidence presented to the grand jury to justify moving forward with a criminal trial.

In modern times, a true bill is still used to indicate the decision of a grand jury to indict an individual. It is an important step in the criminal justice system as it determines whether or not a trial will be held to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.

Examples of True Bill

  1. After considering the evidence presented by the prosecution, the grand jury issued a true bill and the defendant was officially charged with murder.

  2. The grand jury reviewed the evidence and declined to issue a true bill, indicating that there was not enough evidence to warrant a trial.

  3. The prosecutor announced that he would ask the grand jury to issue a true bill against the defendant, signaling his intention to pursue criminal charges.

Legal Terms Similar to True Bill

  1. No Bill: A decision made by a grand jury indicating that there is not enough evidence to indict the accused of a crime.

  2. Indictment: A formal accusation of a crime, issued by a grand jury based on evidence presented by the prosecution.

  3. Information: A document filed by a prosecutor that charges a defendant with a crime, without the need for a grand jury indictment.