nolle prosequi

[ nol-ee pros-i-kwahy, -kwee ]

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.

nolle prosequi

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nolle prosequi¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nolle prosequi¹

Latin: do not pursue (prosecute)