true bill

noun

1. a bill of indictment endorsed by a grand jury as being sufficiently supported by evidence to justify a hearing of the case.

true bill

noun

1. criminal law (formerly in Britain; now only US) the endorsement made on a bill of indictment by a grand jury certifying it to be supported by sufficient evidence to warrant committing the accused to trial

Word History and Origins

Origin of true bill¹

First recorded in 1760–70

Example Sentences

Prosecutors would need to convince at least 12 of the 23 jurors that there’s probable cause — more evidence for than against — that a person committed a crime to warrant a “true bill” of indictment.

From Seattle Times

A “true bill” means the grand jurors have voted to indict because they think there is probable cause to believe that the person accused committed the alleged crimes.

From Seattle Times

Wesley Shifflett, said prosecutors had sought an indictment for manslaughter over the shooting of Timothy McCree Johnson, but told him the panel would not issue a “true bill.”

From Washington Post

Russell Heard’s family and friends are understandably puzzled, upset and angry over the no true bill returned by the grand jury.

From Washington Times

On Thursday, a Caddo Parish grand jury returned a no true bill against Mystikal, whose real name is Michael Lawrence Tyler, news outlets reported.

From Seattle Times