Definition

1. Noun:

   • A formal entry in a court record indicating that the prosecutor or plaintiff will not proceed with the case: It is a legal declaration to abandon or discontinue a prosecution or lawsuit.

2. Verb (rare, often used in the past tense form "nolle prossed"):

   • To drop a prosecution by entering a nolle prosequi in the court records: The act of formally terminating legal proceedings.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The attorney filed a nolle prosequi, ending the criminal case against the defendant.
  • After reviewing new evidence, the state entered a nolle prosequi.

• Verb:

  • The prosecutor decided to nolle prosse the charges.
  • The case was nolle prossed yesterday.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often abbreviated as "nol. pros." or "nolle pros." in legal documents and notes.
• It is a discretionary act by the prosecuting authority and does not typically prevent the refiling of charges in the future, unlike a dismissal with prejudice.

Variants and Related Words

• Nolle prossed (verb, past tense): The action of having entered a .
  • The indictment was nolle prossed by the district attorney.
• Nol-pros (verb, informal): A shortened, informal verb form.
  • The DA chose to nol-pros the case.

Synonyms

• Noun: Discontinuance, abandonment of prosecution, dismissal (without prejudice).
• Verb: Drop the charges, discontinue prosecution, abandon the case.

Notes

• Origin: A Latin phrase meaning "to be unwilling to pursue."
• This term is specific to common law legal systems, particularly in the United States. Its use and implications can vary by jurisdiction.

Noun

1. an entry in the court record to the effect that the plaintiff or prosecutor will not proceed

Verb

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