nolle prosequi

American  

[nol-ee pros-i-kwahy, -kwee] / ˈnɒl i ˈprɒs ɪˌkwaɪ, -ˌkwi /

noun

Law.

1. an entry made upon the records of a court when the plaintiff or prosecutor will proceed no further in a suit or action. nol. pros.

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nolle prosequi British  

/ ˈnɒlɪ ˈprɒsɪˌkwaɪ /

noun

1. law an entry made on the court record when the plaintiff in a civil suit or prosecutor in a criminal prosecution undertakes not to continue the action or prosecution Compare non prosequitur

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Etymology

Origin of nolle prosequi

1675–85; < Latin: be unwilling to pursue, do not prosecute

Example Sentences

Judge Joseph Teefy of Dinwiddie Circuit Court on Sunday approved the prosecutor’s motion to nolle prosequi — or effectively drop for now — the case against five sheriff’s deputies, according to court records.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2024

The appellate court questioned the timing of when prosecutors asked the Baltimore court to drop the charges, a process known as nolle prosequi, or nol pros for short.

From Washington Post • Mar. 28, 2023

There were lots and lots of stories that we would have included Friday, certainly including the nolle prosequi of the former national security adviser.

From Fox News • May 11, 2020

Asking her to pretend not to be married is a very silly request and one that deserves to be met with laughter, scorn, and a firm nolle prosequi.

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2019

"And pray, Master Wallingford," he then inquired, "do you happen to know what nolle prosequi means, too?"

From Afloat and Ashore A Sea Tale by Cooper, James Fenimore