The act of complaining.
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 purpose is to give notice to the adversary of the nature and basis of the claim asserted.
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.
That which exculpates; an excuse.
The act of exculpating from alleged fault or crime.