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

The term for the affidavit made before a magistrate that charges the commission of an offense is indeed a complaint. In the legal context, a complaint is a formal document that outlines the accusations against an individual and initiates legal proceedings. It serves as a mechanism for documenting the alleged offense and is typically sworn under oath by the individual making the accusation.

This step is crucial in the criminal justice process as it establishes the basis upon which a magistrate can issue a warrant or take other necessary actions to address the alleged offense. Understanding this term is essential, as it represents the formal start of many criminal proceedings and reflects the role of the magistrate in the judicial system.

In contrast, while an indictment refers to a formal charge issued by a grand jury, it is not the initial affidavit submitted to a magistrate. Affidavit, although relevant in legal processes, does not specifically denote the particular document that charges a commission of an offense in the context of initiating criminal proceedings. A summons is also a legal document but is designed to notify a person that they must appear in court rather than to formally charge them with a crime.