Acquittal vs. Not Guilty: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Published on November 6, 2023
Acquittal; A legal judgment of innocence. Not Guilty; A verdict indicating the defendant did not commit the crime.
Key Differences
An acquittal represents a formal judgment that concludes a criminal trial, stating that the defendant has been found not guilty of the charged offense. Not Guilty: "Not guilty" is a verdict given by a jury or judge which asserts that the prosecution failed to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
An acquittal can be the result of a number of circumstances during a trial, including a lack of evidence or faulty evidence. Not Guilty: When a person pleads "not guilty" at the onset of a trial, it requires the prosecution to prove the individual's guilt.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
It is the end result and the person cannot be tried again for the same crime due to the double jeopardy clause. Not Guilty: A "not guilty" verdict leads to an acquittal, but the term itself is a declaration during the trial process.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
This term is broader, encompassing other reasons for release from guilt, like legal errors during the trial. Not Guilty: This term specifically points to the conclusion that the defendant didn't commit the crime based on the evidence presented.
Janet White
Nov 06, 2023
An acquittal can sometimes be controversial, especially if the public believes the defendant was guilty. Not Guilty: The plea of "not guilty" simply initiates the legal process, allowing the accused an opportunity for defense.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Implication
End of trial without conviction
Declaration of innocence based on presented evidence
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Associated Phase
Conclusion of the trial
Declaration phase in court, leading to the trial
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
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Acquittal and Not Guilty Definitions
Acquittal
A judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which they have been charged.
Despite the public's outcry, the acquittal was based on legal procedures.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Not Guilty
The conclusion that the prosecution hasn't proved guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Based on the evidence, the verdict was Not Guilty.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Acquittal
A formal declaration of innocence in a criminal trial.
After a lengthy trial, the defendant celebrated his acquittal.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Not Guilty
A declaration that dismisses criminal responsibility.
She was relieved when the jury's decision was Not Guilty.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Acquittal
The act of discharging someone from a criminal charge.
The acquittal came as a relief to the accused's family.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
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Not Guilty
A plea asserting innocence in response to a criminal charge.
He entered a plea of Not Guilty at the beginning of the trial.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Acquittal
A decision by a judge or jury that a defendant is not culpable.
The unexpected acquittal surprised many in the courtroom.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023
Not Guilty
An assertion denying the commission of a crime.
His consistent claim was that he was Not Guilty.
Janet White
Oct 25, 2023
Acquittal
A release from a charge after a verdict in court.
The evidence was insufficient, leading to his acquittal.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023
Not Guilty
A verdict stating the defendant did not commit the alleged act.
The jury declared him Not Guilty after deliberations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023
Acquittal
Judgment, as by a jury or judge, that a defendant is not guilty of a crime as charged.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Acquittal
The act of fulfilling the duties (of a given role, obligation etc.).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Acquittal
(legal) A legal decision that someone is not guilty with which they have been charged, or the formal dismissal of a charge by some other legal process.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Acquittal
(historical) The act of releasing someone from debt or other obligation; acquittance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Acquittal
The act of acquitting; discharge from debt or obligation; acquittance.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Acquittal
A setting free, or deliverance from the charge of an offense, by verdict of a jury or sentence of a court.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
FAQs
What is an Acquittal?
An Acquittal is a formal judgment of innocence in a criminal trial.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Is a Not Guilty plea the same as an Acquittal?
No, a "Not Guilty" plea asserts innocence at trial's start, while an Acquittal is the trial's conclusion without conviction.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 06, 2023
What does Not Guilty mean?
"Not Guilty" is a verdict indicating the defendant did not commit the alleged crime.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Can someone plead Not Guilty when they committed the crime?
Yes, "Not Guilty" is a legal plea, not necessarily an admission of factual innocence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Can an Acquittal be appealed?
Typically, in the U.S., a prosecution cannot appeal an Acquittal due to double jeopardy protections.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Can public opinion influence an Acquittal?
Ideally, Acquittals are based on evidence and law, but public sentiment can sometimes indirectly influence proceedings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Is a "hung jury" the same as a Not Guilty verdict?
No, a "hung jury" is undecided, while "Not Guilty" is a decisive verdict leading to Acquittal.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Is "Not Guilty by reason of insanity" the same as Not Guilty?
No, "Not Guilty by reason of insanity" means the defendant committed the act but was mentally ill at the time.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Can someone be retried after an Acquittal?
No, after an Acquittal, due to the double jeopardy clause, one cannot be retried for the same crime.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Does an Acquittal mean the defendant is innocent?
An Acquittal means the prosecution didn't prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt; it doesn't confirm factual innocence.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Does Acquittal restore all rights to a defendant?
Generally, an Acquittal lifts the legal penalties of the crime charged, but collateral consequences might persist.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Are Acquittals common in criminal trials?
Acquittals vary by jurisdiction and the nature of the crime but are not uncommon.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
How does a jury decide on a Not Guilty verdict?
A jury declares "Not Guilty" if the prosecution fails to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Can an Acquittal be seen as a failure of the justice system?
Views vary, but an Acquittal can also be seen as the justice system ensuring rights and due process.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Does Not Guilty mean the crime didn't happen?
No, "Not Guilty" means the defendant wasn't proven to commit the crime, not that the crime didn't occur.
Sara Rehman
Nov 06, 2023
Can there be an Acquittal even if some evidence suggests guilt?
Yes, an Acquittal can occur if the evidence doesn't prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Does a Not Guilty verdict mean the investigation was flawed?
Not necessarily; "Not Guilty" means the evidence presented didn't meet the threshold of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
Are there crimes where a Not Guilty plea is rarely successful?
Success varies by evidence, not necessarily by crime, but some offenses may have higher conviction rates.
Harlon Moss
Nov 06, 2023
Why would someone choose a Not Guilty plea?
A Not Guilty plea allows the accused to challenge the prosecution's evidence and provide a defense.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
How do defendants feel post-Acquittal?
Feelings vary; relief is common, but some may feel stigmatized despite the Acquittal.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 06, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
