What written statement outlines the essential facts of an offense?

The written statement that outlines the essential facts of an offense is known as a complaint. In legal terminology, a complaint serves as a formal document that initiates a legal action by setting forth the basis of a lawsuit or prosecution. It details the allegations made against an individual, including the essential facts of the offense and the applicable laws that have been violated.

The complaint is crucial for the judicial process because it provides the defendant with notice of the charges they face and sets the stage for the legal proceedings that will follow. It must contain specific information, such as the date and location of the alleged offense and the names of witnesses, to ensure that the defendant is adequately informed about the case against them.

Other terms, while they may hold significance in legal contexts, do not specifically serve this function. For example, an affidavit is a sworn written statement made under oath, often used as evidence in legal proceedings but not specifically to initiate them. A statement of facts may summarize various details but lacks the formal structure and purpose of a complaint. A charge sheet, typically used in some jurisdictions, outlines specific charges against a defendant but does not encapsulate the narrative of the offense like a complaint does.