Acquittal definitions
| Word backwards | lattiuqca |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Noun |
| Syllabic division | ac-quit-tal |
| Plural | The plural of acquittal is acquittals. |
| Total letters | 9 |
| Vogais (3) | a,u,i |
| Consonants (4) | c,q,t,l |
Acquittal refers to the legal judgment or verdict that finds a defendant not guilty of the crime they were charged with. This decision can come after a trial where the prosecution fails to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. When an acquittal is granted, the defendant is cleared of all charges and is not subject to any further penalties related to that specific case.
Process of Acquittal
In a criminal case, the prosecution has the burden of proving the defendant's guilt. If the evidence presented is not sufficient to convince the judge or jury of the defendant's guilt, an acquittal may be issued. This decision signifies that the accused is innocent in the eyes of the law and is not held responsible for the alleged criminal activity. It is crucial to note that an acquittal does not necessarily mean the defendant is proven innocent, but rather that there is not enough evidence to convict them.
Types of Acquittals
There are two primary types of acquittals - a directed acquittal and a verdict of acquittal. A directed acquittal occurs when a judge decides that there is insufficient evidence for the case to continue, and a verdict of acquittal is delivered by the jury after deliberation. Both types have the same outcome of clearing the defendant of the charges.
Double Jeopardy
One fundamental aspect of acquittal is the protection against double jeopardy, where a defendant cannot be tried again for the same crime once they have been acquitted. This safeguard is enshrined in the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution to prevent individuals from facing repeated prosecutions for the same offense.
In conclusion, an acquittal is a significant legal outcome that signifies a defendant's exoneration from the charges brought against them. It is a crucial component of the criminal justice system to ensure that individuals are not wrongfully convicted and to uphold the principle of innocent until proven guilty.
Acquittal Examples
- The defendant's acquittal was met with relief by his family.
- The jury reached an acquittal due to lack of evidence.
- After a long trial, the judge granted an acquittal to the defendant.
- The acquittal of the suspect sparked outrage in the community.
- The defense attorney fought hard for the acquittal of her client.
- The acquittal of the accused led to a public outcry.
- Despite the acquittal, the case continued to garner media attention.
- The acquittal of the defendant came as a shock to many.
- The acquittal marked the end of a long legal battle.
- The acquittal brought closure to the victim's family.