guilt

…usually enters a plea of guilt or innocence. If the accused chooses not to plead, a plea of not guilty will be entered for him or her. A guilty plea will usually result in the case’s being handed over for judgment. Sometimes the court will permit a guilty plea to…

…basis of a plea of guilty. Although the accused may be willing to admit guilt, the court is still required to investigate the evidence fully. Another major difference between civil- and common-law procedure is that the decision of the tribunal in civil-law countries is normally accompanied by a statement of…

…grand jury does not decide guilt or innocence. Its function is inquisitorial and accusatorial, unlike that of the petit jury, which tries cases. The grand jury’s function is to decide whether there is “probable cause” or “prima facie evidence” to believe that a person has committed a crime. Should it…

…opportunity for defendants to plead guilty or not guilty. Only if the defendant contests the accusation by pleading not guilty is a trial held. Otherwise, the court pronounces the defendant guilty as charged and goes on to determine the penalty. With few exceptions (as in Spain), continental law does not…