Final answer:
An indictment is a formal accusation of a crime issued by a grand jury. If a person is indicted, they will then proceed to a trial to determine their guilt or innocence.
Step-by-step explanation:
An indictment is a formal accusation that a person has committed a crime. It is issued by a grand jury, a group of citizens who review evidence presented by prosecutors. The purpose of an indictment is to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial. In the United States, the Fifth Amendment guarantees the right to be indicted by a grand jury for serious crimes, except in certain circumstances. If a person is indicted, they will then proceed to a trial where a judge or jury will decide their guilt or innocence.