Art. 461 Special definitions

This rule explains how certain words should be understood when they show up in Louisiana's criminal court procedures. It sets basic definitions so everyone, judges, lawyers, and anyone involved in a case, interprets these terms the same way.

The rule says that "writing" or "written" covers more than just handwritten notes. It includes anything printed, typed, painted, engraved, photographed, or made visible in any similar way. So if a law mentions a "written" document, that can include typed pages, printed forms, or even photos of text.

The rule also explains that the word "indictment" usually includes affidavits and informations too. These are different ways a person can be formally charged with a crime. However, if a specific law clearly means only a grand jury's formal charge, then "indictment" refers just to that.