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.
An approval, by an authority, generally one that makes something valid.
A penalty, punishment, or some coercive measure, intended to ensure compliance; especially one adopted by several nations, or by an international body.
A law, treaty, or contract, or a clause within a law, treaty, or contract, specifying any of the above.
To penalize (a state etc.) with sanctions.
To ratify; to make valid.
To give official authorization or approval to; to countenance.