Acquit


Definition of Acquit

To aquit is to declare someone not guilty, and to release them from any charges made against them. In criminal trials, defendants are acquitted if they win the case. Once a defendant is acquitted, then they are under no further obligation to stand trial. They can leave the court and be free from any legal burdens associated with the accusation of the crime.



Acquit Explained

If a criminal defendant is not acquitted at the end of a trial, then they may face legal consequences. This can include jail time, fines, or other punishments. Juries and sometimes judges decide whether or not a defendant will be acquitted. They base their decisions on the information that is revealed during the trial. In order for the jury to acquit the defendant, a certain number of jurors must vote "not guilty" at the end of the trial.





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