nolle pros
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: * To formally declare that the prosecution will not proceed with a criminal charge. This is done by entering a nolle prosequi (Latin for "to be unwilling to pursue") into the official court record, effectively dropping the case.
Usage
This verb is used in a legal context to describe the action taken by a prosecutor. It is a formal, technical term. * The prosecutor decided to nolle pros the case due to insufficient evidence. * After the key witness recanted their statement, the state had no choice but to nolle pros the indictment.
Advanced Usage
- The term is often used in its past tense or participial forms: , .
- The charges were nolle prossed yesterday.
- The act of nolle prossing a case does not necessarily preclude refiling charges later.
Variants and Related Words
- Nolle prosequi (n.): The noun form from which the verb is derived. It refers to the formal legal document or the act itself of declining to prosecute.
- The defense attorney filed a motion for a nolle prosequi.
Synonyms
- Drop (the charges/case)
- Dismiss (the charges)
- Discontinue prosecution
Notes
- "Nolle pros" is a shortened, verbed form of the Latin legal phrase . It is primarily used in American legal English.
- A is typically entered at the discretion of the prosecutor and is not a finding of innocence, but rather a termination of the current prosecution.
Verb
- drop prosecution of by entering a nolle prosequi in the court records
- They nolle prossed the charge