Nolo Contendere
Literal meaning: “I do not wish to contend.”
What does the Latin term "Nolo Contendere" mean in law?
Nolo contendere (often shortened to 'nolo' or 'no contest') is a plea in a criminal case in which the defendant neither admits nor denies the charges but agrees to accept punishment as though guilty. Unlike a guilty plea, a nolo contendere plea generally cannot be used as an admission of liability in subsequent civil proceedings arising from the same conduct. Courts are not required to accept a nolo plea and may reject it if acceptance would not serve the interest of justice. The plea has the same immediate effect as a guilty plea for purposes of sentencing in the criminal case.
Source: Criminal · Legal Latin
Legal Definition
Nolo contendere (often shortened to 'nolo' or 'no contest') is a plea in a criminal case in which the defendant neither admits nor denies the charges but agrees to accept punishment as though guilty. Unlike a guilty plea, a nolo contendere plea generally cannot be used as an admission of liability in subsequent civil proceedings arising from the same conduct. Courts are not required to accept a nolo plea and may reject it if acceptance would not serve the interest of justice. The plea has the same immediate effect as a guilty plea for purposes of sentencing in the criminal case.
How It's Used
Nolo contendere is used in criminal procedure when discussing plea options and their collateral consequences. Defendants often choose a nolo plea to avoid creating an admission that could be used against them in related civil litigation. The plea must be accepted by the court.
Example Sentences
The defendant entered a plea of nolo contendere to the assault charge to avoid an admission that could be used in the victim's civil suit.
The court accepted the nolo contendere plea after confirming that the defendant understood the consequences.
A nolo contendere plea, unlike a guilty plea, cannot be introduced as evidence of liability in a subsequent tort action.