← All Terms
Criminal Law

Acquittal

/ uh-KWIT-ul /

Definition

A formal finding of not guilty in a criminal case.

Used in Context

“The jury returned an acquittal after two hours of deliberation.”

Etymology
Old French: acquiter, to free
Learn a new legal term every day
Lex gives you one legal term daily with flashcards, quizzes, and essays — completely free.
Start Learning Free →
← Accord and Satisfaction Actus Reus →