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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Scotch verdict
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A quick definition of Scotch verdict:
A Scotch verdict is a type of jury verdict used only in Scottish criminal law. It means "not proven" and is similar to "not guilty," but it suggests that the accused may still be guilty even though there is not enough evidence to prove it. This verdict is no longer used in most legal systems.
A more thorough explanation:
A Scotch verdict is a type of jury verdict used only in Scots criminal law. It is an archaic verdict that is equivalent to "not guilty," but it carries a strong suspicion of guilt that has not been fully proven. It is also known as "not proven."
- After the trial, the jury returned a Scotch verdict, which meant that the defendant was not guilty, but there was still a strong suspicion of guilt.
- In Scotland, a defendant can be acquitted, convicted, or given a Scotch verdict.
These examples illustrate how a Scotch verdict is a unique type of verdict that is only used in Scots criminal law. It is similar to "not guilty," but it carries a stronger implication of guilt that has not been fully proven.