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Simple English definitions for legal terms
former acquittal
Read a random definition: predicate fact
A quick definition of former acquittal:
Former Acquittal: A legal term that means a person cannot be tried again for a crime they were already acquitted of. Even if new evidence comes up, they are protected by the defense of "autrefois acquit." This also applies if a person is convicted, even if it's a light sentence, they cannot be charged again with new evidence because of the defense of "autrefois convict." It's like a rule that says you can't be punished twice for the same thing.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A plea in bar of arraignment that the defendant has been acquitted of the offense. It is also known as "autrefois acquit".
Example: If a person is charged with a crime and is found not guilty due to lack of evidence, they cannot be tried again for the same crime even if new evidence is found. This is because they have the defense of "former acquittal" or "autrefois acquit".
This term is important in criminal law as it protects individuals from being tried multiple times for the same crime, which is known as double jeopardy. The example illustrates how the defense of former acquittal can be used to prevent double jeopardy.