nolo contendere

Definition

A plea in which the defendant doesn't admit guilt but accepts punishment, Latin for 'I do not wish to contend.' It's the legal equivalent of 'I'm not saying I did it, but I'm not fighting about it either.'

Example Usage

The executive entered a nolo contendere plea to avoid the admission being used against the company in civil litigation.

Origin

Latin meaning 'I do not wish to contest'

Fun Fact

A nolo contendere plea can't be used as an admission of guilt in subsequent civil cases, making it attractive to defendants facing both criminal and civil liability.

Source: Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure Rule 11

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goyhh

get off your high horse...