Acquitted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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acquitted
[əˈkwɪtɪd ]
Definition
legal context
To acquit someone means to officially declare them not guilty of a criminal charge. This decision is typically made by a judge or jury after reviewing the evidence presented during a trial. An acquittal can lead to the individual's release if they were in custody. The term is significant in the legal system, as it reflects the principle that a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. An acquittal does not imply that the person was innocent; it simply indicates that the prosecution did not meet the burden of proof required for a conviction.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The jury acquitted him after three days of deliberation.
- She was acquitted of all charges, proving her innocence.
- The judge acquitted the defendant due to lack of evidence.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Legal System
- In a trial, if the jury believes someone did not do what they were accused of, that person is acquitted.
- Acquittal means that the person is free from blame or legal trouble for that specific charge.
- A person can be acquitted even if there is some evidence against them, as long as it's not strong enough to prove guilt.
Psychology
- Being acquitted can lead to relief and happiness, but can also cause social stigma if accused of a serious crime.
- The state of being acquitted can affect a person's mental health positively, helping to rebuild their self-esteem after being wrongly accused.
- Psychological effects of an acquittal often vary based on public perception and media coverage surrounding the case.
Pop Culture
- The concept of acquittal often features prominently in TV shows and movies, depicting legal battles and the quest for justice.
- Famous cases like the O.J. Simpson trial have brought widespread attention to the implications and public perceptions of acquittals.
- Literary works often explore themes of justice and morality, questioning what it truly means to be acquitted.
Societal Implications
- Acquitted individuals may still face challenges reintegrating into society, as others may remember the accusations despite the verdict.
- The principle of 'innocent until proven guilty' underpins legal systems but is often debated in public discourse after a high-profile acquittal.
- Acquittals can spark discussions about the fairness of the legal system and the presumption of innocence, highlighting its impact on society.
Origin of 'acquitted'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'acquitare,' meaning 'to free or release,' which evolved through Old French.
- An older meaning of the root included the connotation of 'paying off a debt,' which reflects the idea of settling or clearing one’s name.
- The term entered English in the 15th century, linked to legal contexts as courts began to formalize their decision-making processes.
The word 'acquitted' has its origins from the Latin term 'acquitare', which means 'to release or to set free'. This Latin root combines 'ad-', meaning 'to', and 'quietare', which means 'to make quiet or to calm'. Over time, the term evolved through Old French before entering the English language in the late 14th century. In legal terminology, 'acquit' originally referred to the process of making someone free from a charge or obligation, which has remained consistent throughout its history. The concept of acquittal is foundational in legal systems, emphasizing the protection of individual rights and the presumption of innocence in criminal proceedings.