Timeline: U.S. Classified Information and Mishandling Cases
The U.S. classification system was formalized in the mid-20th century to protect national defense and intelligence data.
 
			The U.S. classification system was formalized in the mid-20th century to protect national defense and intelligence data.
 
			An indictment is a cornerstone of the criminal justice process, representing the formal accusation that a person has committed a serious crime. While the concept is simple—charging someone officially—it has deep historical, constitutional, and procedural significance. This deep dive explores the evolution, process, and impact of indictments in both state and federal systems.