Indictment

An indictment is the formal court document setting out the charges in a serious case that will be tried before a jury.

An indictment is served on the accused in solemn cases, those heard before a jury in the sheriff court or the High Court of Justiciary. It sets out the final charges, lists the witnesses and productions (evidence) the Crown intends to use, and tells the accused when to attend court. It is usually served some time after full committal on petition, and the charges can differ from those on the petition. If the accused is held in custody, the indictment must generally be served within 80 days of full committal unless a court extends the time. Less serious cases are brought on a complaint instead. High Court indictments run in the name of the Lord Advocate, as HM Advocate against the accused.

Checked as at 25 September 2026. General information only, not legal advice.