Nolo contendere

Plea of nolo contendere ( no contest also, stood mute) is a possible answer to the complaint in U.S. court negotiations and means the renunciation of the denial of the alleged offense. Nolo contendere comes from Latin and means " I will not argue ."

Plea of nolo contendere is an alternative to pleading to " guilty " or " not guilty" and stating that the defendant's guilt neither acknowledges nor denies. The defendants therefore waived a defense and recognizes the court's decision to admit without a transgression of the law. The immediate effect of a nolo contendere - answer to the complaint is the same as an admission of guilt, although technically there is no such. In contrast to a conviction with an admission of guilt, a plea of nolo contendere does not count, however, for a finding of obstinacy, which would result in a higher penalty (see also three-strikes law ).

The answer to the complaint must be accepted by the court. Except for harmless, non- violence -related offenses, plea of nolo contendere is usually rejected. Nolo contendere is accepted with minor offenses - Jenna Bush, daughter of former U.S. President George W. Bush pleaded nolo contendere, as they had been charged in May 2001 because of alcohol tenure as minors and because of use of a counterfeit card.

Critics are of the opinion that public confidence is undermined in a fair and accurate trial by the plea of nolo contendere.

• Law ( United States)