Florida Broker Practice Exam

What does "nolo contendere" signify in legal terms?

1. A plea of guilty

2. A no-contest plea

3. A demand for a jury trial

4. A claim of innocence

The correct answer is: A no-contest plea

The term "nolo contendere" translates from Latin to "I do not wish to contend." In legal terms, a no-contest plea means that the defendant does not admit guilt but also does not contest the charges against them. This type of plea allows the defendant to avoid admitting to the crime while still accepting the consequences of a conviction. It is important to note that while a no-contest plea does not admit guilt, it can result in the same penalties as a guilty plea, including fines and sentencing. This legal strategy can be useful in situations where a defendant wants to avoid the potential civil liability that might arise from an admission of guilt in a criminal case. For example, if someone were charged with a crime that could also lead to a civil lawsuit, a no-contest plea may help them avoid providing grounds for a civil claim based on their admission. Other options provided do not accurately capture the meaning of "nolo contendere." A plea of guilty clearly indicates admission to the charges, while a claim of innocence outright denies wrongdoing. A demand for a jury trial pertains to the defendant's rights regarding how their case is heard, rather than the nature of a plea. Thus, the selection of a no-contest plea as the correct answer