What is an affidavit made before a magistrate that charges the commission of an offense called?

An affidavit made before a magistrate that charges the commission of an offense is referred to as a complaint. This document serves as a formal accusation, initiating the criminal process by outlining the essential facts of the offense alleged to have been committed. It is typically prepared by a law enforcement officer and provides the magistrate with enough information to determine whether there is probable cause to believe that a crime has occurred.

The complaint is crucial in ensuring that legal proceedings are based on established facts rather than assumptions, thereby safeguarding the rights of individuals while also maintaining the integrity of the law enforcement and judicial systems. In essence, the complaint lays the groundwork for potential criminal prosecution, ensuring that charges are formally recognized and addressed within the legal framework.

In contrast, a summons is a document issued by a court that commands a person to appear before the court, and a subpoena is typically used to compel someone to testify or produce evidence. An affidavit, while a sworn statement, does not serve the specific function of formalizing a charge against an individual in the criminal context as a complaint does.