Acquittal
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary · Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
In Contracts. A release or discharge from an obligation or engagement.
26 Wend. (N. Y.) 283.
According to Lord Coke, there are three kinds of acquittal, namely, by deed, when the party releases the obligation; by prescription; by tenure.
Co. Litt. 100a.
In Criminal Practice. The absolution of a party charged with a crime or misdemeanor. The absolution of a party accused on a trial before a traverse jury.
1 Nott & McC. (S. C.) 36; 3 Mc Cord (S. C.) 461.
Acquittals in fact are those which take place when the jury, upon trial, finds a verdict of not guilty. Acquittals in law are those which take place by mere operation of law; as where a man has been charged merely as an accessary, and the principal has been acquitted.
2 Inst. 364.
Effect on subsequent prosecution, see "Jeopardy."