|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| Related Links |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Home > Legal Research > Glossary
 |
Not guilty |
Definition - Noun
1 : a plea by a criminal defendant who intends to contest the charges
compare guilty nolo contendere
Under the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure, if a defendant refuses to plead or if the defendant is a corporation that fails to appear the court must enter a plea of not guilty on the defendant's behalf.
2 : a verdict rendered by a jury acquitting a criminal defendant upon finding that the prosecution has not proven the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt
Based on Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law ©2001.
Merriam-Webster, Incorporated
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.
http://www.m-w.com |
 |
|
|
|
|
