No person shall be held to answer in any court for an alleged crime or offense, unless upon indictment by a grand jury, except in the following cases:

(1) when a prosecution by information is expressly authorized by statute;

Terms Used In South Carolina Code 17-19-10

  • Answer: The formal written statement by a defendant responding to a civil complaint and setting forth the grounds for defense.
  • Grand jury: agreement providing that a lender will delay exercising its rights (in the case of a mortgage,
  • 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.
  • Statute: A law passed by a legislature.

(2) in proceedings before a police court or magistrate; and

(3) in proceedings before courts martial.

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