What term best describes actions taken against those formally accused of a crime?

The term that best describes actions taken against those formally accused of a crime is "punitive." This term relates specifically to measures that are intended to punish individuals who have been charged with committing an offense. In the context of criminal justice, punitive actions can include various forms of penalties, such as imprisonment, fines, or community service, all aimed at enforcing the law and addressing wrongdoing.

The other terms have distinct meanings in the legal framework. "Indictment" refers to the formal accusation that someone has committed a crime, typically issued by a grand jury, but does not involve the actions taken against the accused. "Litigation" pertains to the process of taking a case through the civil courts, which does not directly relate to criminal accusations or their penalties. "Prosecution" refers to the legal process of bringing charges against someone in a court of law, which involves the state or government entity presenting evidence to achieve a conviction, but does not inherently describe the punitive actions themselves. Therefore, "punitive" is the most accurate term as it captures the essence of disciplinary actions following criminal accusations.