Acquit

How it is used

Usually passive: 'She was acquitted of all charges'. The noun is 'acquittal'. Journalists also write 'cleared of'. An acquittal normally ends the case, although in some systems the prosecution can appeal against it.

Example sentences

1. The driver was acquitted of causing death by dangerous driving.

2. After his acquittal, he thanked his lawyers outside the court.

3. The jury acquitted her because the evidence was too weak.

Common collocations

• acquitted of
• acquitted on all counts
• win an acquittal
• be acquitted

Related terms

• verdictThe decision at the end of a trial on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty, especially the decision of a jury.
• guiltyOfficially judged by a court to have committed a crime; the opposite verdict is 'not guilty'.
• convictTo decide officially in court that someone is guilty of a crime; as a noun, a convict is a person who has been found guilty and is usually in prison.
• beyond reasonable doubtThe standard of proof in criminal cases: the evidence must be so strong that no reasonable person would doubt the defendant's guilt.
• trialThe formal process in court in which evidence is presented and a judge or jury decides whether the defendant is guilty of the charges.

More terms: Trial & Verdict

• defendant
• conviction
• jury
• presumption of innocence
• burden of proof