Important Legal Definitions
Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.
Plea of Not Guilty and Claiming Trial
Criminal Procedure & Jurisprudence Terms
Definition
The formal answer given by an accused when the charge is framed and read out to them, refusing to plead guilty and requiring the prosecution to prove every element of the crime beyond reasonable doubt.
Example
The trial judge asks the corporate executive whether they plead guilty to insider trading; the executive replies, "I plead not guilty and claim trial," prompting the court to schedule dates for prosecution evidence.