Law Society of Ontario (LSO) Paralegal Practice Exam

What is an Information in the context of legal proceedings?

1. A sworn document that outlines the charges

2. A written accusation signed by an attorney general's agent

3. A report submitted by a police officer to a judge

4. A legal document summarizing previous court cases

The correct answer is: A sworn document that outlines the charges

In the context of legal proceedings, an Information is best described as a sworn document that outlines the charges. It is a formal accusation made in a criminal case that specifies the alleged offenses committed by an individual. This document is crucial for initiating legal actions, as it sets out the details of the charges, including the nature of the offense, the relevant laws violated, and often the circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. This process allows the accused to understand what they are being charged with, ensuring that they can prepare an adequate defense. The Information typically must meet certain legal criteria to be valid, including being sworn before a qualified individual, often a justice of the peace. This creates a record that the charges are taken seriously and are based on sufficient evidence. Other options refer to different legal documents or processes. A written accusation signed by an attorney general's agent is typically associated with more formal prosecutions, which might function differently in various jurisdictions. A report submitted by a police officer to a judge is often related to investigations but does not constitute the formal charges required to begin prosecution. Finally, a legal document summarizing previous court cases pertains more to legal precedents or case law, rather than the specific charges against an individual in a current case.