An indictment must state the facts constituting the offense in ordinary and concise language, without prolixity or repetition, in such a manner as to enable a person of common understanding to know what is intended and with that degree of certainty which will enable the court, on conviction, to pronounce the proper judgment. In no case are the words "force of arms" or "contrary to the form of the statute" necessary.
Structure Code of Alabama
Title 15 - Criminal Procedure.
Section 15-8-20 - Offenses Charged or Described as at Common Law.
Section 15-8-21 - Statutory Language Unnecessary.
Section 15-8-22 - General Terms Used for Special Statutory Terms.
Section 15-8-23 - Manner of Stating Act Constituting Offense.
Section 15-8-24 - When Alleged Act Done in Public Place Suffices.
Section 15-8-25 - How Facts Constituting Offense to Be Stated.
Section 15-8-26 - Charging of Unknown Facts.
Section 15-8-27 - Allegation of Unknown Means.
Section 15-8-28 - Name of Defendant When Unknown.
Section 15-8-29 - General Allegation of Intent to Injure or Defraud.
Section 15-8-30 - Statement of Time.
Section 15-8-31 - Allegation of Venue Unnecessary; Proof of Same at Trial.
Section 15-8-32 - Statement of Legal Presumptions and Matters Judicially Known Unnecessary.
Section 15-8-33 - How Ownership of Property Alleged.
Section 15-8-34 - Description of Animal in Indictment for Offense Concerning Same.
Section 15-8-35 - Indictment for Forgery of Instrument Destroyed or Withheld.
Section 15-8-36 - Perjury and Subornation of Perjury; Indictment.