Which term refers to formal charges brought against a defendant?

The term that refers to formal charges brought against a defendant is "indictment." An indictment is a formal accusation that a person has committed a crime, typically initiated by a grand jury. This process serves as an essential legal step in the criminal justice system, allowing for the formal establishment of charges that can lead to trial.

Understanding the indictment is vital as it represents a significant moment in the prosecution process, indicating that there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed against the defendant. This is a key distinction in the legal framework as it establishes the point at which the defendant is officially faced with criminal charges.

In contrast, a "bill of information" is similar to an indictment but does not require a grand jury and is used in certain jurisdictions, typically for lesser offenses. A "verdict" refers to the decision made by a jury or judge at the conclusion of a trial, and a "summons" is a document that commands a person to appear in court, which is not directly related to the formal charges themselves.