Legal Translation of Indictment: inculpation formelle, not a simple accusation

⚠️ A criminal false friend with heavy procedural weight

The word indictment is often mistranslated into French as accusation. Yet in common law systems, it is far more specific. An indictment is a inculpation formelle, generally issued by a grand jury. It is neither a complaint nor a simple denunciation: it is the act that formally initiates criminal proceedings, typically for serious offenses or crimes.

👉 In French, accuser can be very general, but in legal English to indict implies a solemn, formalized procedure.

⚖️ In criminal law: formal mise en accusation

An indictment occurs after an investigation, once sufficient evidence exists to bring someone to trial. The act of inculpation specifies the charges retained.

Examples:

• The grand jury returned an indictment for fraud
  → Le grand jury a prononcé une inculpation pour fraude

• He was indicted on multiple counts of embezzlement
  → Il a été formellement inculpé pour plusieurs faits de détournement

• An indictment is required for felony charges
  → Une inculpation est requise pour les crimes (felonies)

👉 Translating indictment simply as accusation erases the crucial procedural dimension.

🧾 Related terms

• to indict = inculper formellement (often by a grand jury)

• indicted person = mis en accusation, prévenu formellement

• sealed indictment = inculpation not made public

• superseding indictment = new inculpation replacing a previous one

✅ In summary

• Indictment ≠ vague accusation, but a formal inculpation in criminal procedure

• An official document, often issued by a grand jury, setting out the charges

• Primarily used in Anglo-American criminal law (U.S., U.K.)

📌 TransLex’s Advice

Before translating indictment, ask yourself:

• Is it a formal accusation issued by a judicial authority?

• Does the procedure involve a grand jury or prosecutor?

• Is the context a serious crime or felony, not a minor offense?

👉 In law, indictment = inculpation formelle, not a simple allegation.
👉 Always preserve its procedural weight, especially in Anglo-American criminal law.