acquittal etymology

Etymology:

  • Old French: acquittement, from
  • Late Latin: acquittamentum, from
  • Latin: acquittare, "to set free, release from a charge," from
  • ad- + quietus, "calm, quiet"

Meaning:

  • A legal verdict that declares a defendant not guilty of a crime.
  • The act of setting someone free from a charge or obligation.

Origin:

The term "acquittal" originated in Roman law, where it referred to the release of a person from a legal obligation or accusation. In the context of criminal proceedings, it meant the declaration of a defendant as innocent of the charges against them.

Over time, the term "acquittal" became widely used in common law jurisdictions to describe the verdict of "not guilty" rendered by a jury in a criminal trial. It signifies the final and authoritative finding that the accused did not commit the crime for which they were charged.

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