What is referred to when a grand jury returns a failure to indict a prisoner?

When a grand jury returns a failure to indict a prisoner, it is referred to as a "no bill." This term signifies that the grand jury did not find sufficient evidence to formally charge the individual with a crime. In essence, a "no bill" indicates that the grand jury concluded there was not enough probable cause to move forward with an indictment. This process serves as a critical check on the prosecutorial power, ensuring that only cases with adequate evidence are pursued in the criminal justice system.

The other options, while relevant in the legal context, do not accurately describe the specific action taken by a grand jury in this scenario. "Dismissal" typically refers to a judge's action in terminating a case, "indictment" is the formal charge itself, and "void judgment" refers to a ruling that is invalid due to legal deficiencies. Thus, understanding the term "no bill" is essential in grasping the procedural aspects of how grand juries function.