nolle prosequi

American  

[nol-ee pros-i-kwahy, -kwee] / ˈnɒl i ˈprɒs ɪˌkwaɪ, -ˌkwi /

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 British  

/ 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

---

Etymology

Origin of nolle prosequi

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

Example Sentences

She said in a news release that her motions to nolle prosequi the charges speak for themselves and she would have no further comment.

From Seattle Times • May 6, 2024

The appellate court questioned the timing of when prosecutors asked the Baltimore court to drop the charges, a process known as nolle prosequi, or nol pros for short.

From Washington Post • Mar. 28, 2023

There were lots and lots of stories that we would have included Friday, certainly including the nolle prosequi of the former national security adviser.

From Fox News • May 11, 2020

Asking her to pretend not to be married is a very silly request and one that deserves to be met with laughter, scorn, and a firm nolle prosequi.

From Slate • Jun. 1, 2019

There being no witnesses against him at the trial, a nolle prosequi is found, and he goes free.

From McClure's Magazine, Vol. 6, No. 4, March, 1896 by Various