acquittal

[əˈkwɪt(ə)l]

acquittal Definition

a judgment or verdict that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged.

Using acquittal: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "acquittal" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The defendant was granted an acquittal due to lack of evidence.

• Example

  The jury returned a verdict of acquittal after a lengthy trial.

• Example

  The prosecutor was disappointed with the acquittal of the accused.

acquittal Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for acquittal

• exoneration
• absolution
• vindication

Antonyms for acquittal

• conviction
• guilty verdict

Phrases with acquittal

• acquittal by default

  an acquittal resulting from the failure of the prosecution to present a case against the accused

  Example

  The defendant was granted an acquittal by default when the prosecution failed to produce any evidence.

• acquittal on all counts

  an acquittal of all charges brought against the accused

  Example

  The defendant was overjoyed with the acquittal on all counts.

• acquittal rate

  the percentage of cases in which the accused is acquitted

  Example

  The acquittal rate for murder cases in this state is very low.

Origins of acquittal

from Old French 'aquiter', meaning 'to set free'

📌

Summary: acquittal in Brief

'Acquittal' [əˈkwɪt(ə)l] refers to a judgment or verdict that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged. It is often granted due to lack of evidence or failure of the prosecution to present a case against the accused. Phrases like 'acquittal by default' and 'acquittal on all counts' describe specific types of acquittal. 'Acquittal rate' denotes the percentage of cases in which the accused is acquitted.