Terms Used In Idaho Code 19-1516

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Arraignment: A proceeding in which an individual who is accused of committing a crime is brought into court, told of the charges, and asked to plead guilty or not guilty.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Indictment: The formal charge issued by a grand jury stating that there is enough evidence that the defendant committed the crime to justify having a trial; it is used primarily for felonies.
If, on the arraignment, the defendant requires it, he must be allowed a reasonable time, not less than one (1) day, to answer the indictment. He may, in answer to the arraignment, move to set aside, demur, or plead to, the indictment.