True Bill

In practice. Words indorsed on a bill of indictment when a grand jury, after having heard the witnesses for the government, are of opinion that there is sufficient cause to put the defendant on his trial. Formerly the indorsement was Bilia vera when legal proceedings were in Latin. It is still the practice to write on the back of the bill Ignoramus. When the jury do not find it to be a true bill, the better opinion is that the omission of the words "a true bill" does not vitiate an indictment. 11 Cush. (Mass.) 473; 13 N. H. 488. See 5 Me. 432, and Bennett's note.

In Practice. Words indorsed on a bill of indictment when a grand jury, after having heard the witnesses for the government, are of opinion that there is sufficient cause to put the defendant on his trial. Formerly the indorsement was Billa vera when legal proceedings were in Latin; it is still the practice to write on the back of the bill Ignoramus when the jury do not find it to be a true bill; the better opinion is that the omission of the words a true bill does not vitiate an indictment; Com. v. Smyth, 11 Cush. (Mass.) 473; State v. Freeman, 13 N. H. 488. See Grand Jury.

Upon finding an indictment, the grand jury usually indorse upon it, by their foreman, the words, "A true bill."

practice. These words are endorsed on a bill of indictment when a grand jury, after having heard the witnesses for the government, are of opinion there is sufficient cause to put the defendant on his trial. Formerly, the endorsement was Billa veru, when legal proceedings were in latin, as 1s still the practice to write on the back of the bill Ignoramus, when the jury do not find it to be a true bill. Vide Grand Jury