What do you call the affidavit made before a magistrate charging a person with committing an offense?

The term used to describe an affidavit made before a magistrate that charges a person with committing an offense is a complaint. In the context of criminal procedure, a complaint serves as a formal accusation against an individual, detailing the essential elements of the alleged offense. It is a legal document that initiates criminal proceedings, allowing law enforcement to bring charges based on the complaint presented to the magistrate.

This is distinct from an indictment, which is a formal charge issued by a grand jury, or an information, which is a written accusation filed by a prosecutor that also initiates a criminal case without a grand jury. A summons, on the other hand, is a document that orders an individual to appear in court, and does not serve as a formal accusation of an offense. Understanding these differences is crucial for grasping the various legal documents and procedures that govern criminal law.