No person shall be held to answer in any court for an alleged crime or offense, unless upon indictment by a grand jury, except in the following cases:
(1) when a prosecution by information is expressly authorized by statute;
(2) in proceedings before a police court or magistrate; and
(3) in proceedings before courts martial.
HISTORY: 1962 Code Section 17-401; 1952 Code Section 17-401; 1942 Code Section 995; 1932 Code Section 995; Cr. P. '22 Section 81; Cr. C. '12 Section 75; Cr. C. '02 Section 48; G. S. 2448; R. S. 47.