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not guilty 1. Plea to an indictment which is in essence, a challenge to it the prosecution to establish guilt. It may be changed once the trial has started. 2. Verdict following trial, which, in effect, is an acquittal. The accused may be found not guilty of offences specifically charged in the indictment, but guilty of an another offence arising from allegations therein. Where the defendant pleads not guilty and the prosecution does not offer evidence, the judge may order the recording of a verdict of not guilty. |