What is meant by "information" in a legal context?

In a legal context, "information" refers specifically to a formal accusation made against a defendant, laying out the charges they face. This legal term is commonly used in criminal law to describe a document filed by a prosecutor that initiates criminal proceedings without the need for a grand jury indictment. It typically outlines the alleged facts of the case, the laws that were violated, and serves as the basis for bringing a case to trial.

The significance of this formal charge is that it triggers the legal process, providing the defendant with notice of the charges against them, which is a fundamental component of due process. It is designed to ensure that the accused has an opportunity to prepare a defense in response to the claims made against them.

Understanding this context helps clarify why "information" should be associated with a formal legal charge as opposed to informal reports, directives for hearings, or summaries of cases. Each of those alternatives does not carry the same formal legal weight or role in the criminal justice system as a charging document does.