Definition

Noun: 1. A formal declaration by a court that a person is guilty of a criminal offense, following a trial or a plea, and the subsequent imposition of a sentence or penalty. This term refers specifically to the final, official legal outcome of a criminal prosecution.

Usage

• This term is a formal, legal compound noun. It is used in legal documents, court proceedings, and official reports to denote the specific judicial act of finding guilt and sentencing.
• It is synonymous with the more common single word "conviction" in a legal context.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The jury's verdict led directly to a judgment of conviction for fraud.
  • After the appeal was denied, the judgment of conviction became final.
  • The court clerk entered the judgment of conviction into the official record.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast with a "judgment of acquittal," which is a formal finding of not guilty.
• It encompasses both the finding of guilt (the conviction) and the specific penalty ordered (the sentence).

Variants and Related Words

• Conviction (n): The more common term for the act of finding someone guilty of a crime in a court of law. "Judgment of conviction" is a more precise legal variant.
  • He has a prior conviction for theft.
• Sentence (n): The punishment assigned to a defendant found guilty. A "judgment of conviction" includes the pronouncement of the sentence.
  • The judge handed down a severe sentence.

Synonyms

• Condemnation: (Formal) A strong expression of disapproval; can imply a final judgment.
• Finding of guilt: A phrase describing the result of a trial.
• Guilty verdict: The decision returned by a jury.

Antonyms

• Acquittal: A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged.
• Judgment of acquittal: The formal court declaration of not guilty.

Noun

1. (criminal law) a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed
   • the conviction came as no surprise