The purpose is to give notice to the adversary of the nature and basis of the claim asserted.
However, court proceedings, such as a trial, cannot be instituted until an indictment or information has been handed down against the defendant.
In a civil action, the first pleading of the plaintiff setting out the facts on which the claim is based;
The act of complaining.
A grievance, problem, difficulty, or concern.
In criminal law, the preliminary charge or accusation made by one person against another to the appropriate court or officer, usually a magistrate.
A bodily disorder or disease; the symptom of such a disorder.
The object of regard; person or thing favoured.
A small gift; a party favor.
Mildness or mitigation of punishment; lenity.
A kind or helpful deed; an instance of voluntarily assisting (someone).
Partiality; bias
Goodwill; benevolent regard.
To resemble; especially, to look like (another person).
To do a favor [noun sense 1] for; to show beneficence toward.
To look upon fondly; to prefer.
To use more often.
To encourage, conduce to
To treat with care.