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 term specifically denotes the formal accusation presented to a court or magistrate, which initiates legal proceedings against an individual for a specific offense. In essence, a complaint serves as the foundational document in criminal cases, outlining the allegations and supporting evidence provided by the complainant.

The nature of a complaint is to inform the court of the criminal activity and to justify the need for judicial intervention. It is crucial in the legal system as it provides the basis for arrest warrants and further judicial action.

Although terms like indictment, testimony, and declaration may relate to legal proceedings, they do not accurately describe the procedural aspect highlighted in the question. An indictment is a formal charge or accusation made by a grand jury, while testimony refers to evidence provided by a witness under oath during a trial. A declaration is a more general term that can refer to various legal documents or statements but does not fit the specific context of charges made before a magistrate.