nolo contendere

Nolo contendere, or "no contest," is a legal plea used in criminal cases where the defendant chooses not to admit guilt but also does not dispute the charges. It has the same immediate effect as a guilty plea, such as resulting in a conviction and sentencing, but it cannot be used as an admission of guilt in subsequent civil lawsuits related to the case. This plea allows the defendant to accept punishment without explicitly admitting responsibility, often serving strategic or legal considerations. It is available in some jurisdictions and requires judicial approval.