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

The city argues that a nolle prosequi does not count as a favorable termination.

From New York Times • Sep. 30, 2019

United States District Attorney, stated that he desired to use Albert Gallatin Ferris, one of the prisoners indicted, as a witness, and would therefore enter a nolle prosequi in regard to him.

From Trial of the Officers and Crew of the Privateer Savannah, on the Charge of Piracy, in the United States Circuit Court for the Southern District of New York by Warburton, A. F.