What is the legal term for a formal accusation of a crime, issued by a grand jury?

The correct term for a formal accusation of a crime issued by a grand jury is an "indictment." An indictment serves as a critical step in the criminal justice process, where the grand jury examines evidence presented by the prosecution to determine whether there is sufficient cause to formally charge an individual with a crime. This legal mechanism is essential in upholding the rights of individuals, ensuring that no one is prosecuted without a foundation of probable cause evaluated by a group of peers.

The grand jury's role is to protect against unfounded criminal charges, making the indictment a key aspect of the system. Given that this process requires voluntary corroboration of evidence, an indictment reflects a formal charge that allows the legal proceedings to continue into trial.