What is an "information" in the context of the CCP?

In the context of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CCP), an "information" refers specifically to a formal written accusation that initiates a criminal case, and it must be signed by a prosecutor. This document outlines the charges against a defendant, providing the necessary details such as the nature of the offense and the relevant laws that have been violated. The purpose of an information is to enable the court and the defendant to understand the nature of the charges being brought forth, ensuring that due process is upheld.

The remaining options do not accurately describe an information. A jury's decision in a criminal trial refers to the outcome of deliberations and does not function as a charging document. A document outlining evidence against a defendant would typically be part of pre-trial discovery rather than the formal charges. Lastly, a plea agreement involves negotiations between the prosecution and the defense and is not a written charge initiated by the prosecutor. Thus, the definition of an information is essential in understanding how criminal charges are formally processed within the judicial system.