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. (1) when a prosecution by information is expressly authorized by statute;
2. (2) in proceedings before a police court or magistrate; and
3. (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.