Acquittal is a term that is commonly used in legal proceedings. It is a verdict that is given by a judge or a jury in a criminal case, which means that the defendant is not guilty of the charges that have been brought against them. Acquittal is an important concept in the legal system as it determines the outcome of a case and the fate of the accused.
Definitions
Acquittal is defined as the act of declaring someone not guilty of the charges that have been brought against them. It is a verdict that is given by a judge or a jury after a trial or a hearing. Acquittal is the opposite of conviction, which is the finding of guilt in a criminal case.
Origin
The word “acquittal” comes from the Latin word “acquittare”, which means “to release” or “to set free”. The term has been used in the legal system for centuries and has its roots in ancient Roman law.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, acquittal is defined as “a judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which the person has been charged”. The Oxford English Dictionary defines acquittal as “the release or discharge of a person from an obligation or charge”.
Associations
Acquittal is associated with the legal system and the criminal justice system. It is a verdict that is given in criminal cases and is often seen as a positive outcome for the accused.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of acquittal include exoneration, vindication, and clearance.
Antonyms
The antonyms of acquittal include conviction, guilt, and liability.
The same root words
Some words that have the same root as acquittal include acquit, acquitted, and acquitting.
Example Sentences
- The defendant was granted acquittal after the jury found him not guilty.
- The judge declared a verdict of acquittal in the high-profile murder case.
- The defense lawyer argued for acquittal, stating that there was not enough evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt.
- The prosecutor was disappointed with the acquittal of the defendant, but respected the decision of the jury.
- The defendant was relieved to receive an acquittal, as he had maintained his innocence throughout the trial.