A final judgment by a judge or jury that the prosecution has not proven a criminal defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is a “not guilty” verdict.
In common law jurisdictions, an acquittal certifies that the accused is free from the charge of an offense, as far as the criminal law is concerned. The finality of an acquittal is dependent on the jurisdiction. In some countries, such as the United States, an acquittal operates to bar the retrial of the accused for the same offense, even if new evidence surfaces that further implicates the accused. The effect of an acquittal on criminal proceedings is the same whether it results from a jury verdict or results from the operation of some other rule that discharges the accused. In other countries, the prosecuting authority may appeal an acquittal similar to how a defendant may appeal a conviction.
English
Etymology
From acquit + -al.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /əˈkwɪ.t(ə)l/
- (US) IPA(key): /əˈkwɪ.d(ə)l/
