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Simple English definitions for legal terms
special plea
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A quick definition of special plea:
A special plea is a formal response given by someone accused of a crime, like saying "guilty" or "not guilty." It can also be a type of argument made in a court case. There are different types of pleas, like a guilty plea or a plea bargain. A plea can be used to delay or defeat a case, or to challenge the court's jurisdiction. It's important to understand your rights before making a plea.A more thorough explanation:
A special plea is a type of plea made by an accused person in response to a criminal charge. It is a formal response of "guilty," "not guilty," or "no contest."
Examples of other types of pleas include:
- Guilty plea: an admission of having committed the charged offense
- Not-guilty plea: a formal denial of having committed the charged offense
- No-contest plea: a plea by which the defendant does not contest or admit guilt
- Negotiated plea: a plea agreed to by a criminal defendant and the prosecutor in a plea bargain
For example, if someone is accused of stealing a car, they may enter a not-guilty plea if they believe they did not commit the crime. Alternatively, they may enter a guilty plea if they admit to stealing the car. A no-contest plea may be entered if they do not want to contest the charge but do not want to admit guilt. A negotiated plea may be entered if they agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.