To acquit someone is to officially decide in a court that they are not guilty of a crime. More generally, it can mean to behave in a particular way, especially under pressure.
From Old French 'aquiter', meaning 'to clear, release, or pay off', from 'a-' (from) + 'quiter' (to set free). It originally meant freeing someone from a debt or obligation.
Acquit is about clearing a person’s record, not proving they were innocent all along. The law is simply saying, 'We don’t have enough to hold you,' which is very different from saying, 'You definitely didn’t do it.'
In many legal systems, acquittals in cases of gender-based violence and sexual assault have reflected systemic bias, with women’s testimony discounted and stereotypes about victims influencing verdicts. Public discourse around high-profile acquittals has often blamed women or questioned their credibility.
Use “acquit” neutrally to describe legal outcomes, and when relevant, acknowledge structural factors (such as gender bias) that may affect who is acquitted and whose cases are brought to trial.
Women lawyers, judges, and activists have been crucial in challenging gender bias in criminal justice systems and in reforming standards for evidence and victim protection.
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