Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE) Practice Exam

What must occur for an indictment to be confirmed?

1. A plea agreement must be signed

2. A trial must be conducted before a jury

3. A formal accusation needs to be returned by a grand jury

4. A settlement must be reached out of court

The correct answer is: A formal accusation needs to be returned by a grand jury

For an indictment to be confirmed, a formal accusation must be returned by a grand jury. This process is essential within the criminal justice system, as an indictment serves as a legal charging document that formally initiates criminal proceedings against a defendant. The grand jury reviews evidence presented by the prosecution and decides whether there is enough probable cause to charge an individual with a crime. If the grand jury issues an indictment, it signifies that they believe there is sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. In contrast, other options do not reflect the necessary procedures involved in confirming an indictment. For instance, a plea agreement or an out-of-court settlement pertains to resolution methods after charges have been established, not the process of formally initiating the charges. Additionally, while a trial may follow an indictment, it is not a prerequisite for the indictment itself; the indictment must exist first before any trial can be conducted.