Courtroom Phrases

noun a judgment that a person is not guilty of the crime with which the person has been charged

• The defendant was granted acquittal after the jury found insufficient evidence to convict.
• They let him go free after the trial because they didn't have enough proof.
• They gave him the 'not guilty' verdict because they couldn't pin anything on him.
• Her acquittal from all charges felt like a weight lifted off her shoulders.

verb to suspend a meeting or session to a future time or another place

• The judge decided to adjourn the court proceedings until the next day.
• Let's adjourn this meeting and reconvene after lunch.
• I'm getting tired, can we adjourn this study session and grab some coffee?
• Sometimes it's necessary to adjourn from our daily routine and take time for self-care.

noun A word used to name a person, place, thing, or idea. 'Charges' is a noun referring to the formal accusations made against someone in a legal context.

verb A word used to describe an action or state of being. In this case, 'bring' is the verb indicating the action of bringing charges.

• The prosecutor has decided to bring charges against the suspect for embezzlement.
• They finally decided to press charges against him for stealing from the company.
• They're gonna slap charges on him for that stunt he pulled.
• Her words were like a weapon, ready to bring charges against anyone who dared to challenge her.

noun a minor wrongdoing or offense

adjective relating to a minor wrongdoing or offense

• Committing a misdemeanor can result in a fine or even jail time.
• Don't worry too much about that parking ticket, it's just a misdemeanor.
• Getting caught shoplifting is definitely not worth the misdemeanor charge.
• His lie was just a misdemeanor compared to the felony of stealing.

adjective describing the state of being free of guilt or responsibility

• After a thorough investigation, the jury found the defendant not guilty of the charges.
• The cops arrested him but he was not guilty so they had to let him go.
• He totally got off the hook because he was not guilty of the crime.
• Her conscience was clear, she felt not guilty of any wrongdoing.

verb to admit or declare that one has committed a crime or offense

adjective showing a willingness to admit wrongdoing or fault

• The defendant decided to plead guilty to the charges brought against them.
• He finally admitted his mistake and pleaded guilty.
• She caved and pled guilty to avoid a longer trial.
• In the court of public opinion, he had no choice but to plead guilty.