Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

What must an indictment detail according to Louisiana Criminal Code of Procedure?

1. Defendant's background

2. Witness testimonies

3. Essential facts constituting the offense

4. Plea agreements

The correct answer is: Essential facts constituting the offense

An indictment, as specified in the Louisiana Criminal Code of Procedure, is a formal accusation that must include essential facts constituting the offense. This requirement ensures that the indictment outlines the specifics of the charges against the defendant, allowing them to understand the nature of the allegations and prepare an adequate defense. The essential facts are critical as they describe what the accused is alleged to have done, enabling a clear basis for legal proceedings. Focusing on other choices, a defendant's background is not a necessary detail in an indictment, as the primary concern of the indictment is to communicate the charges. Witness testimonies might be relevant during a trial but are not included in the indictment itself. Similarly, plea agreements are arrangements that occur later in the legal process and are not detailed in the indictment. Thus, the emphasis is on the necessity of articulating the essential facts for the indictment to be valid and effective in moving forward with criminal proceedings.