acquittal

An acquittal occurs when a court or jury determines that a defendant is not guilty of the charges against them. It means there is not enough evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the person committed the crime. An acquittal does not mean the person is innocent, only that the prosecution did not meet its burden of proof. Once acquitted, the individual cannot be tried again for the same offense in the same jurisdiction, providing legal protection known as double jeopardy. It essentially results in the defendant being cleared of criminal responsibility for the particular case.