Not Guilty Verdict
/ˈnɑːt ˈɡɪlti ˈvɜːrdɪkt/
Definitions
- (n.) A formal judgment by a jury or judge that a defendant is not legally responsible for the crime charged because the evidence is insufficient to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The jury returned a not guilty verdict after deliberating for only two hours.
Forms
- not guilty verdicts
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term indicates the outcome of a criminal trial favoring the defendant, distinct from acquittal which can include judicial rulings; drafting should clarify if it refers strictly to jury findings.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.