"nolo contendere" (Latin)

by Craig Shrives

What does the Latin term nolo contendere mean?

"Nolo contendere" is a Latin legal term that can be translated as "I do not wish to contend" or "I do not wish to contest" in English. It is a plea used in criminal court proceedings where the defendant neither admits nor denies guilt for the charges brought against them. By entering a plea of "nolo contendere," the defendant is essentially choosing not to contest the charges but is also not admitting guilt.

Examples in Sentences

Here are three example sentences:
  • The defendant decided to enter a plea of nolo contendere to avoid a lengthy trial and potential public scrutiny.
  • After careful consideration, the accused opted for a plea of nolo contendere as part of a negotiated settlement with the prosecution.
  • The judge accepted the plea of nolo contendere and proceeded to impose the appropriate sentence based on the evidence presented.
nolo contendere (meaning)

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See Also

A full list of Latin terms used in English A list of common grammar errors A list of easily confused words A list of sayings and proverbs

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