§ Mistakes people make with this word
The word "acquittal" is a noun, and a common mistake is to use it as a verb. People sometimes mistakenly say things like "The jury acquitted the defendant," when they should say, "The jury delivered an acquittal for the defendant," or use the verb form, "The jury acquitted the defendant." Remember, "acquittal" is the noun form, referring to the act of being acquitted or the judgment itself, while "acquit" is the verb form.
- DEFINITION
- An acquittal is a formal legal judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged. It occurs when a jury or judge determines that the prosecution has not proven the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Another common error is confusing "acquittal" with similar-sounding or related legal terms like "conviction" or "exoneration." While all these terms relate to legal proceedings, their meanings are distinct:
- Acquittal: A formal declaration that someone is not guilty of a criminal charge.
- Conviction: A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a criminal charge.
- Exoneration: The act of officially absolving someone from blame or fault, especially after a thorough review of new evidence that proves their innocence. While an acquittal happens at the end of a trial, exoneration can occur years later, often due to new DNA evidence or other revelations that prove a previously convicted person was innocent.
The verdict of acquittal was met with cheers from the defendant's family.
Furthermore, some people incorrectly assume that an acquittal means the person is entirely innocent in a moral sense. Legally, an acquittal simply means that the prosecution did not present enough evidence to convince the jury or judge of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. It does not necessarily mean the person is factually innocent, only that the legal burden of proof was not met.
Lastly, be mindful of the prepositions often used with "acquittal." You typically say "an acquittal of a charge" or "an acquittal for the defendant."
Synonymes
Antonymes
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
He was granted an acquittal.
The jury delivered an acquittal.
She celebrated her acquittal.
The verdict was an acquittal.
They appealed for an acquittal.
The evidence led to an acquittal.
He hopes for an acquittal.
An acquittal was unexpected.
The defense sought an acquittal.
An acquittal means freedom.
Comment l'utiliser
The term acquittal is primarily used in legal contexts. It refers to the outcome of a criminal trial where the defendant is found not guilty. It is important to distinguish an acquittal from a 'pardon' or a 'dismissal' of charges. A pardon is an act of executive clemency that forgives a person for a crime they *did* commit, while a dismissal means the charges were dropped before a verdict was reached.
One common mistake is using acquittal as a verb. For example, 'The jury acquitted him' is correct, but 'He was acquittal by the jury' is incorrect. The noun form is acquittal, and the verb form is 'acquit'. Another mistake is confusing acquittal with a 'not guilty plea.' A not guilty plea is a defendant's statement at the beginning of a trial, whereas an acquittal is the final judgment by the court.
Astuces
Understand the Core Meaning
An acquittal is always about a legal decision where someone is found not guilty.
Identify Key Contexts
You'll most often hear acquittal in discussions about court cases, trials, and legal proceedings.
Associate with 'Not Guilty'
Mentally link acquittal directly to the phrase 'not guilty' to reinforce its meaning.
Practice Usage in Sentences
Try creating sentences like: 'The jury delivered an acquittal, much to the defendant's relief.' or 'He hoped for an acquittal after the long trial.'
Differentiate from 'Conviction'
Understand that acquittal is the opposite of a conviction, where someone is found guilty.
Recognize the Noun Form
Remember that acquittal is a noun. The verb form is 'acquit' (e.g., 'The judge will acquit him').
Use Flashcards
Create flashcards with 'acquittal' on one side and its definition and a sample sentence on the other.
Listen for it in News/Media
Pay attention to news reports or legal dramas where the term acquittal might be used.
Discuss with a Language Partner
Talk about the word acquittal with a language partner, explaining its meaning and usage.
Review Regularly
Periodically review the word acquittal to ensure it stays fresh in your memory.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsWhile both an acquittal and exoneration mean a person is freed from criminal charges, there's a key distinction. An acquittal is a legal judgment made during a trial, meaning the prosecution didn't prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Exoneration, on the other hand, often happens after a conviction, when new evidence emerges proving the person's innocence, like DNA evidence. It's about being proven innocent rather than just not proven guilty.
In most cases, no. The Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against 'double jeopardy,' meaning a person cannot be prosecuted twice for the same offense after an acquittal. However, there are very specific and rare exceptions, such as if the acquittal was obtained through fraud.
Not necessarily in the popular sense. An acquittal means the prosecution failed to prove guilt 'beyond a reasonable doubt.' It doesn't mean the court or jury believes the person is factually innocent, only that the legal standard for conviction was not met. There's a legal distinction between 'not guilty' and 'innocent.'
After an acquittal, the defendant is legally free and cannot be prosecuted again for the same crime. They are released from custody if they were detained, and any restrictions related to the charges are lifted. Their criminal record, however, might still show the arrest and charges, though not a conviction.
No, they are different. A dismissal occurs when a court ends a case before a trial, often due to procedural issues, lack of evidence, or a prosecutor's decision not to pursue the charges. An acquittal is a verdict reached after a trial, typically by a jury or judge, stating the defendant is not guilty.
The decision for an acquittal is typically made by a jury, or by a judge in a bench trial (a trial without a jury). They are the ones who assess the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense to determine if guilt has been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
Generally, the prosecution cannot appeal an acquittal. This is also part of the double jeopardy protection. The rationale is to prevent the state from repeatedly trying an individual until a conviction is secured. However, the defense can appeal a conviction.
A directed verdict of acquittal is a ruling by a judge in a jury trial that the prosecution has presented insufficient evidence to support a conviction. In such a case, the judge effectively tells the jury to find the defendant not guilty, or dismisses the case without the jury deliberating. This usually happens after the prosecution has presented its case.
Legally, an acquittal signifies that a person is not guilty of the charges brought against them. This can certainly help to clear their name in the eyes of the law and public perception. However, the social stigma or public opinion surrounding an accusation can sometimes linger even after an acquittal.
The frequency of acquittals varies depending on the type of crime and jurisdiction. Overall, a relatively small percentage of criminal cases that go to trial end in acquittal, as many cases are resolved through plea bargains or dismissals before reaching a verdict. However, they do occur in significant cases where the prosecution fails to meet its burden of proof.
Teste-toi 60 questions
The man got an ___.
An acquittal means he is not guilty.
He was happy about the ___.
He was happy because he was found not guilty.
The judge gave an ___.
The judge makes the decision in court, including an acquittal.
The jury said it was an ___.
The jury decides if someone is guilty or not guilty.
After the court, there was an ___.
An acquittal is a result from the court.
The lawyer helped get an ___.
A lawyer helps people in court.
Write a short sentence using the word 'not guilty'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The man was found not guilty.
Complete the sentence: The judge said the man was ____.
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Sample answer
The judge said the man was not guilty.
Imagine someone is in court. What is a good outcome for them?
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Sample answer
A good outcome is if they are found not guilty.
What happened to the man?
Read this passage:
A man went to court. The jury listened to everything. They decided he did not do the bad thing. So, the man was free.
What happened to the man?
The passage says 'They decided he did not do the bad thing. So, the man was free,' which means he was found not guilty.
The passage says 'They decided he did not do the bad thing. So, the man was free,' which means he was found not guilty.
What does 'not guilty' mean in court?
Read this passage:
In court, sometimes people are charged with a crime. If the judge or jury thinks they did not do it, they say 'not guilty.' This is good news for the person.
What does 'not guilty' mean in court?
The passage states, 'If the judge or jury thinks they did not do it, they say 'not guilty.' This is good news for the person,' implying they are free.
The passage states, 'If the judge or jury thinks they did not do it, they say 'not guilty.' This is good news for the person,' implying they are free.
Why was the woman happy?
Read this passage:
A woman was in court. The police said she took something. But the judge looked at all the facts. The judge said, 'You are not guilty.' The woman was very happy.
Why was the woman happy?
The passage clearly says, 'The judge said, 'You are not guilty.' The woman was very happy.'
The passage clearly says, 'The judge said, 'You are not guilty.' The woman was very happy.'
The word you need to listen for is 'acquittal'.
Listen for what the jury delivered.
What surprised everyone?
Read this aloud:
Say: The acquittal was unexpected.
Focus: ac-quit-tal
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Read this aloud:
Say: He received an acquittal from the court.
Focus: re-ceived an ac-quit-tal
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Read this aloud:
Say: An acquittal means you are not guilty.
Focus: not guil-ty
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Imagine a friend was accused of something they didn't do. How would you feel if they got an acquittal? Write 2-3 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I would be very happy if my friend got an acquittal. It means they are innocent. I would feel so relieved for them.
Complete the sentence: 'The judge gave an acquittal because ______.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
The judge gave an acquittal because there was no proof that he did it.
In simple words, explain what an 'acquittal' means. Write 1-2 sentences.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
An acquittal means that a person is found not guilty of a crime. They can go free.
Why did the judge give an acquittal?
Read this passage:
A man was in court. The police said he stole a car. But the man said he did not do it. The judge looked at all the information. There was no clear proof that he stole the car. So, the judge gave an acquittal.
Why did the judge give an acquittal?
The passage states, 'There was no clear proof that he stole the car. So, the judge gave an acquittal.'
The passage states, 'There was no clear proof that he stole the car. So, the judge gave an acquittal.'
How did Sarah feel when her brother got an acquittal?
Read this passage:
Sarah was very worried. Her brother was accused of a crime. But Sarah knew he was a good person and would never do such a thing. After many days, the news came: her brother got an acquittal! Sarah was so happy and relieved.
How did Sarah feel when her brother got an acquittal?
The passage says, 'Sarah was so happy and relieved.'
The passage says, 'Sarah was so happy and relieved.'
What does an acquittal mean for the person accused?
Read this passage:
When someone gets an acquittal, it means the court believes they are innocent. They are not guilty of the crime they were accused of. This is a very important part of the law to make sure people are treated fairly.
What does an acquittal mean for the person accused?
The passage clearly states, 'it means the court believes they are innocent. They are not guilty of the crime they were accused of.'
The passage clearly states, 'it means the court believes they are innocent. They are not guilty of the crime they were accused of.'
This sentence is a simple statement about someone's feeling regarding an acquittal.
This sentence explains who made the decision for an acquittal.
This sentence shows the man's wish for an acquittal.
The jury delivered a verdict of _____ for the accused.
An acquittal means someone is found not guilty.
After the trial, the man walked free because of his _____.
An acquittal means the person is judged not guilty and can go free.
The lawyer was confident he could win an _____ for his client.
A lawyer tries to prove their client is not guilty to get an acquittal.
An acquittal means a person is found guilty of a crime.
An acquittal means a person is found NOT guilty.
If a judge gives an acquittal, the person is free to go.
An acquittal is a formal judgment that a person is not guilty.
An acquittal happens when the prosecution proves guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
An acquittal happens when the prosecution has NOT proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Which of the following scenarios best describes an acquittal?
An acquittal is specifically when a person is found not guilty after being charged with a crime.
What is the primary reason for an acquittal?
An acquittal occurs when the prosecution hasn't met the burden of proof, meaning they haven't convinced the judge or jury of the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
After an acquittal, what is the legal status of the person who was on trial?
An acquittal formally declares that the person is not guilty of the crime they were accused of.
An acquittal means the defendant has confessed to the crime.
An acquittal means the opposite; it signifies that the defendant has been found not guilty, not that they confessed.
If a judge grants an acquittal, it means the prosecution did not provide enough evidence to prove guilt.
An acquittal is a legal judgment that the prosecution failed to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
An acquittal is the same as a conviction.
An acquittal means found 'not guilty,' while a conviction means found 'guilty.' They are opposite outcomes.
This order forms a grammatically correct and coherent sentence, describing the effect of the acquittal.
This arrangement logically progresses from the trial's duration to the judge's declaration of acquittal.
This sequence constructs a sentence where the acquittal is explained by a specific legal issue.
The jury's surprising ___ left the prosecution stunned and the defense relieved.
An acquittal is the formal judgment of not guilty. The sentence implies a legal decision, making 'acquittal' the fitting choice.
Despite overwhelming public pressure for a conviction, the judge ultimately ruled for the defendant's ___.
The context of a judge ruling in a case, contrasting with public pressure for conviction, indicates a formal 'not guilty' verdict, which is an acquittal.
The legal team meticulously built a case, hoping for a definitive ___ that would clear their client's name permanently.
To 'clear a client's name permanently' in a legal context means to achieve a formal declaration of not guilty, or an acquittal.
After weeks of intense deliberation, the jury delivered an ___ that sent shockwaves through the community.
A jury delivers a verdict, and 'acquittal' is a specific type of verdict, meaning 'not guilty,' which fits the context of 'shockwaves through the community' if unexpected.
The defense attorney argued passionately for his client's ___, citing insufficient evidence presented by the prosecution.
An attorney arguing for an 'acquittal' means they are arguing for a declaration that their client is not guilty, which aligns with citing 'insufficient evidence'.
The unexpected ___ sparked debates about the integrity of the judicial system and the burden of proof.
An 'acquittal' is a legal outcome that could lead to debates about the judicial system and the burden of proof, especially if it was unexpected.
Focus on the reaction to the verdict.
Consider the factors contributing to the acquittal.
Listen for the broader implication of the acquittals.
Read this aloud:
Can you elaborate on the concept of 'beyond a reasonable doubt' as it pertains to securing an acquittal?
Focus: elaborate, concept, reasonable doubt, pertains, securing, acquittal
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Read this aloud:
Discuss the ethical implications for a prosecutor pursuing a case where an acquittal seems increasingly likely.
Focus: discuss, ethical implications, prosecutor, pursuing, acquittal, increasingly likely
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Read this aloud:
Imagine you are a legal analyst on television. Explain to the audience why an acquittal, even in a seemingly clear-cut case, is sometimes the correct outcome.
Focus: imagine, legal analyst, television, explain, audience, acquittal, seemingly, clear-cut, correct outcome
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/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Understand the Core Meaning
An acquittal is always about a legal decision where someone is found not guilty.
Identify Key Contexts
You'll most often hear acquittal in discussions about court cases, trials, and legal proceedings.
Associate with 'Not Guilty'
Mentally link acquittal directly to the phrase 'not guilty' to reinforce its meaning.
Practice Usage in Sentences
Try creating sentences like: 'The jury delivered an acquittal, much to the defendant's relief.' or 'He hoped for an acquittal after the long trial.'
Exemple
The neighborhood celebrated the local man's acquittal after months of tension.
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