Definition

Verb (Legal term, abbreviation): * To formally and officially drop or terminate a criminal prosecution or a specific charge in a court of law. This action is taken by the prosecuting authority (e.g., a district attorney) by entering a nolle prosequi (Latin for "to be unwilling to pursue") into the court record.

Usage

This term is used exclusively in formal legal contexts. It is an action performed by a prosecutor or the state. The abbreviation is often written as nol. pros. or nolle pros., and the past tense is commonly nol. prossed.

Examples

• The district attorney decided to nol. pros. the case due to insufficient evidence.
• After the key witness recanted their statement, the prosecution moved to nol. pros. the charges.
• The judge granted the motion, and the indictment was nol. prossed.

Advanced Usage

• The action signifies a unilateral decision by the prosecution not to proceed, which is different from a case being dismissed by a judge. It often leaves open the possibility of reinstating the charges at a later date.
• The full Latin phrase is , which functions as a noun ("enter a ") and is the source of the abbreviated verb form.

Variants and Related Words

• Nolle prosequi (n.): The formal legal notice or entry on the court record stating the prosecution's decision to drop the case.
• Dismiss (v.): A more general legal term for terminating a case, which can be done by a judge or prosecutor.
• Drop charges (v. phrase): A common, non-technical phrase with a similar meaning.

Synonyms

• Drop the prosecution
• Discontinue the prosecution
• Abandon the charges

Antonyms

• Prosecute
• Pursue charges
• Indict

Verb

1. drop prosecution of by entering a nolle prosequi in the court records
   • They nolle prossed the charge