What is the term used for the affidavit made before a magistrate that charges the commission of an offense?

The term used for the affidavit made before a magistrate that charges the commission of an offense is known as a complaint. In the context of criminal procedure, a complaint is a formal legal document that outlines the details of the alleged offense and is presented to a magistrate to initiate legal action.

A complaint typically includes key information such as the nature of the offense, the identity of the accused, and the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. This document is crucial as it serves as the foundation for subsequent legal proceedings, allowing the magistrate to determine whether there is enough evidence to proceed with a case.

In contrast, an indictment refers to a formal charge issued by a grand jury, which occurs later in the legal process after a preliminary examination. An accusation can be more general and may not have the formal structure of a complaint, while a charge is a broader term that can refer to any formal assertion of criminal activity. Thus, the specific and formal nature of a complaint aligns it perfectly with the definition provided in the question.