New York State Private Investigator Practice Exam

What does a "true bill" indicate in the context of a grand jury?

1. The grand jury believes there is enough evidence to charge someone

2. The grand jury has acquitted the accused

3. The case is dismissed entirely

4. The grand jury is split on the decision

The correct answer is: The grand jury believes there is enough evidence to charge someone

A "true bill" is a significant term within the context of a grand jury. When a grand jury issues a true bill, it indicates that there is sufficient evidence to formally charge someone with a crime. This means the grand jury has reviewed the evidence presented by the prosecution and has determined that it warrants moving forward with criminal charges against the individual. This process is crucial as it serves as a preliminary check on the government's power to bring criminal charges, ensuring that there is a reasonable basis for the accusation. In contrast, the other options represent different outcomes that do not align with the definition of a true bill. An acquittal signifies that the accused has been found not guilty by a jury after a trial, which is a completely separate process from the preliminary functions of a grand jury. If a case is dismissed entirely, it means that there was no basis for the charges from the outset, and this situation does not involve a grand jury's decision. Lastly, a split decision of the grand jury would suggest indecision and would not lead to the issuance of a true bill, as it would reflect a lack of consensus regarding the sufficiency of the evidence.