US Laws, Codes, Statutes & Cases

An indictment must state the facts constituting the offense in ordinary and concise language, without prolixity or repetition, in such a manner as to enable a person of common understanding to know what is intended and with that degree of certainty which will enable the court, on conviction, to pronounce the proper judgment. In no case are the words "force of arms" or "contrary to the form of the statute" necessary.

(Code 1852, §562; Code 1867, §4112; Code 1876, §4785; Code 1886, §4368; Code 1896, §4896; Code 1907, §7134; Code 1923, §4529; Code 1940, T. 15, §232.)