true bill (C1)
noun phrase
Pronunciation: /truː ˈbɪl/
Definition
A grand jury's decision that there is enough evidence to proceed with a trial, formally approving the charges against a defendant.
Examples
The prosecutor presented the case to the grand jury, which returned a true bill after several hours of deliberation.
If the grand jury votes to indict, they will return a true bill, and the case will move forward to trial.
The defense attorney argued that the evidence was insufficient, but the grand jury still returned a true bill.
How to Use true bill
- return a true bill (idiom)
- to decide to indict or charge someone — "The grand jury returned a true bill, and the defendant was indicted on all counts."
- vote a true bill (idiom)
- to decide to indict or charge someone — "The grand jury voted a true bill, and the case will move forward to trial."
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