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

The two types of charging documents in the criminal justice system are indeed information and indictment. An "information" is a formal document that outlines the charges against a defendant and is typically used in lower-level criminal cases. It is initiated by a prosecutor without the need for a grand jury. An "indictment," on the other hand, is a formal charge issued by a grand jury, which is required for more serious criminal offenses in many jurisdictions. This distinction is crucial because it reflects how different levels of charges are approached and processed within the criminal justice system.

Understanding the roles of these documents is essential for paralegals working in criminal law, as they help shape the trajectory of a case from the very beginning. Other choices presented do not serve as primary charging documents. For example, a "complaint" may be related but does not carry the same formal legal weight as an information or indictment. Similarly, subpoenas and arrest warrants have different legal functions and do not serve as charging documents.