CHARGE
To impose a burden, duty, obligation, or lien; to
create a claim against property; to assess; to
demand; to accuse; to instruct a jury on matters of
law. To impose a tax, duty, or trust. To entrust
with responsibilities and duties (e.g., care of
another). In commercial transactions, to bill or
invoice; to purchase on credit. In CRIMINAL LAW,
to indict or formally accuse.
An encumbrance, lien, or claim; a burden or
load; an obligation or duty; a liability; an accusa-
tion. A person or thing committed to the care of
another. The price of, or rate for, something.
A retail store may attach a finance charge to
money owed by a customer on a store account.
A charge to the jury is the process whereby a
judge addresses the jury before the verdict. Dur-
ing the charge, the judge summarizes the case
and gives instructions to the jury concerning
such matters as the RULES OF LAW that are appli-
cable to various issues in the case.
A public charge is a person who has been
made a ward of the state who requires public
support due to illness or poverty.
