Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam 2025 - Free Paralegal Practice Questions and Study Guide

An indictment is a formal written accusation that typically charges a person with a crime. This document is usually signed by a representative of the attorney general and is used to initiate criminal proceedings against an individual. The indictment outlines the specific crimes the accused is charged with, and it serves as a foundation for the prosecution's case. The process often follows an investigation and is a crucial step in bringing serious felony charges, particularly in jurisdictions that follow procedures such as those found in common law systems.

Regarding the other options, while the preliminary examination of evidence is part of the legal process, it does not constitute an indictment. The assertion that an indictment is a formal charging document used only in the Ontario Court of Justice (OCJ) is misleading as indictments can be relevant to various levels of courts depending on the jurisdiction and type of case. Lastly, a document that merely records court appearances does not capture the essence or function of an indictment in the criminal justice process.