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 evidence impressed me as insufficient and I silently found the Scotch verdict, "Not proven."

From The Collected Works of Ambrose Bierce — Volume 2: In the Midst of Life: Tales of Soldiers and Civilians by Bierce, Ambrose

If I correctly judge, the first of these hypotheses must be considered as of limited application if it is not seriously discredited, while the second can at best receive the Scotch verdict, not proven.

From Biology A lecture delivered at Columbia University in the series on Science, Philosophy and Art November 20, 1907 by Wilson, Edmund Beecher

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.