What does "nolo contendere" mean in legal terms?

The term "nolo contendere" translates to "I will not contest it." When a defendant enters a plea of nolo contendere, they are essentially acknowledging that they will accept the consequences of a conviction without admitting guilt. This can be advantageous in that it may prevent the plea from being used as an admission of guilt in any related civil litigation that could arise from the same conduct.

In criminal proceedings, this type of plea can simplify the legal process, as the defendant does not have to contest the charges actively, while still allowing for the imposition of a penalty. The court can proceed to sentencing as if the defendant had pleaded guilty, but the defendant does not have to provide an admission of guilt, which can be significant in certain contexts. This distinction is crucial in understanding the legal strategy behind using a nolo contendere plea in the judicial process.