Scotch verdict

American  

noun

1. a verdict of not proven: acceptable in certain cases in Scottish criminal law.

2. any inconclusive decision or declaration.

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Etymology

Origin of Scotch verdict

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

As I recall it, they never proved that it did, or at best reached a Scotch verdict.

From Time Magazine Archive

But the prosecutor's exoneration of Donovan was something like the Scotch verdict of "not proven."

From Time Magazine Archive

The most they could expect would be the Scotch verdict, "not proven."

From Darwiniana; Essays and Reviews Pertaining to Darwinism by Gray, Asa

At best he would get off with a Scotch verdict of 'not proven,' but he doesn't want that, nor do I. And you—" "I don't want it, either.

From The Diamond Cross Mystery Being a Somewhat Different Detective Story by Steele, Chester K.

At the order of the Chief Justice this Scotch verdict was entered on the records of the court as a simple Not Guilty.

From John Marshall and the Constitution; a chronicle of the Supreme court by Corwin, Edward Samuel