Acquitment is a legal term that refers to the act of declaring someone not guilty of a crime or wrongdoing. It is a crucial concept in the justice system, as it ensures that individuals are not wrongly convicted or punished for crimes they did not commit. In this article, we will explore the definition, origin, and meaning of acquitment, as well as its associations, synonyms, and antonyms.
Definitions
Acquitment is defined as the act of acquitting or clearing someone of charges or accusations. It is the opposite of conviction, which is the act of finding someone guilty of a crime. Acquitment can also refer to the legal process of determining whether or not someone is guilty of a crime, and the subsequent verdict of not guilty.
Origin
The word “acquitment” comes from the Old French word “acquiter,” which means to release or discharge. It was first used in English in the 16th century, and has been used in legal contexts ever since.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acquitment is “the act of acquitting; specifically : a judicial determination that the defendant in a criminal case is not guilty.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the act of acquitting, or of being acquitted; discharge, release.”
Associations
Acquitment is closely associated with the legal system, particularly with criminal law. It is often used in the context of trials, where a defendant is either acquitted or convicted of a crime. Acquitment is also associated with justice, fairness, and the protection of individual rights.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of acquitment include exoneration, vindication, absolution, clearance, and release. These words all convey the idea of being cleared of wrongdoing or being found not guilty of a crime.
Antonyms
The opposite of acquitment is conviction, which is the act of finding someone guilty of a crime. Other antonyms include blame, guilt, liability, and responsibility.
The same root words
Acquitment shares its root word with other legal terms, such as acquittal, acquitted, and acquitting. These words all come from the Old French word “acquiter,” which means to release or discharge.
Example Sentences
- The jury’s acquitment of the defendant was met with cheers from his supporters.
- The defendant’s acquittal was a victory for justice and fairness.
- The prosecutor was unable to prove the defendant’s guilt, resulting in his acquitting.
- Despite the lack of evidence, the judge refused to grant an acquitment and ordered a retrial.