Special plea meaning

A special plea is a legal defense raised specifically before a trial begins.


Special plea definitions

Word backwards laiceps aelp
Part of speech Noun
Syllabic division spe-cial plea
Plural The plural of special plea is special pleas.
Total letters 11
Vogais (3) e,i,a
Consonants (4) s,p,c,l

Special Plea in Legal Terms

Understanding the Special Plea

A special plea is a legal argument made by a defendant in a criminal case. It is a procedural defense used to challenge the validity of the charges against the accused. This type of plea is different from a traditional plea of guilty or not guilty, as it focuses on the legal technicalities of the case rather than the factual elements.

Types of Special Pleas

There are various types of special pleas that can be raised in a criminal case. One common type is the plea in abatement, which challenges the manner in which the charges were brought against the defendant. Another type is the plea of double jeopardy, which argues that the accused cannot be tried for the same offense twice.

Legal Arguments

When a special plea is raised, the defendant's legal team presents arguments to the court to support their position. These arguments may focus on procedural issues, constitutional violations, or other legal grounds. The goal is to convince the court that the charges should be dismissed or the case should be handled in a different manner.

Outcome of a Special Plea

If the court accepts a special plea, it can have a significant impact on the outcome of the case. Depending on the nature of the plea and the arguments presented, the charges against the defendant may be dismissed, or the case may proceed in a different direction. It is essential for the defendant's legal team to carefully craft their arguments and support them with relevant legal authorities.

Importance of Legal Representation

Facing criminal charges can be a daunting experience, and navigating the legal system can be complex. It is crucial for anyone facing criminal charges to seek out experienced legal representation to help them understand their options and navigate the legal process. A skilled attorney can help determine if a special plea is appropriate in a given case and advocate for the defendant's rights in court.


Special plea Examples

  1. The defense attorney entered a special plea of insanity on behalf of his client.
  2. The defendant made a special plea for leniency during the sentencing phase of the trial.
  3. The prosecutor rejected the defendant's special plea for a reduced sentence.
  4. The judge granted the defendant's special plea to have the case dismissed due to lack of evidence.
  5. The lawyer filed a special plea to have the evidence excluded from the trial.
  6. The defendant's special plea for a mistrial was denied by the judge.
  7. The defense team presented a special plea of self-defense in court.
  8. The special plea agreement allowed the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser charge.
  9. The special plea deal was negotiated between the prosecution and defense attorneys.
  10. The special plea for bail was granted, allowing the defendant to be released from custody.


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  • Updated 23/06/2024 - 01:32:43