Reasonable doubt is what defense attorneys hammer into jurors’ heads. Where not guilty is a verdict, the judge or jury has concluded that the evidence presented does not prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is. Not Guilty means that there was not sufficient evidence to determine that you did commit the crime. If the defendant is acquitted of a crime, it only means that the prosecutor in the case failed to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt according to the law. Why do they say not guilty instead of innocent?Īll we know is that the juries were not persuaded that the defendants committed the crimes charged.” Innocent means that you did not commit the crime. Under criminal law, an acquittal is a general term for a not guilty verdict, but it doesn't mean the defendant is innocent of the crime. To exonerate is to “absolve (someone) from blame for a fault or wrongdoing.” exonerate | Oxford Dictionaries. It doesn’t mean the defendant didn’t do the crime. At trial, an acquittal occurs when the jury (or the judge if it's a judge trial) determines that the prosecution hasn't proved the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If the defendant pleads guilty or is found guilty. In other words, to find a defendant not guilty is to acquit. If a defendant is found not guilty, by the magistrate, jury or judge, they will be acquitted and free to go. In either case, the defendant is free to go. Acquittal and not guilty are often used interchangeably, although they do not mean the exact same thing. An acquittal means that the prosecution did not meet its burden of proof, while a not guilty verdict simply means that the jury had reasonable doubt about the defendant’s guilt. Does acquitted mean exonerated?Īcquittal simply means that the prosecution did not prove its case with sufficient evidence, that is beyond a reasonable doubt. What does it mean when you are acquitted A verdict of not guilty constitutes an acquittal. While not guilty and acquitted are often used interchangeably, there is a big difference between the two terms. An acquittal is a finding by a judge or jury that a defendant is not guilty of the crime charged. Not guilty means that a defendant is not legally answerable for the criminal charge filed against him/her. Is not guilty and acquitted the same thing? to release or discharge (a person) from an obligation. The jury acquitted her, but I still think she’s guilty. What does our law mean when it requires proof of guilt beyond a reasonable. This doesnt necessarily mean that you are innocent. The defendant is not required to prove that he/she is not guilty.6 In fact. To relieve from a charge of fault or crime declare not guilty: They acquitted him of the crime. An acquittal occurs when the court finds you not guilty.
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