Previously, when a jury had to determine someone’s guilt, the judge would inquire, “How say you?” This inquiry was equivalent to asking for their decision.
Inquiring, what is your response? This is an antiquated manner of soliciting a jury’s verdict or decision. For instance, during a court trial, the judge might inquire of the jury, “What say you? Have you arrived at a verdict?” This expression is not frequently employed in contemporary English and is regarded as outdated. It is crucial to comprehend the significance of this phrase within historical contexts, such as literature or legal papers.
“How Say You” is a legal term used in courtrooms to ask for the defendant’s plea or response to the charges brought against them.
While “How Say You” is commonly used in courtrooms, its usage may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the specific legal proceedings. It is best to consult with a legal professional to determine its appropriateness in your specific situation.
The defendant can respond with “guilty,” “not guilty,” or “no contest.” Each response carries different legal implications and consequences.
If the defendant pleads guilty, it means they admit to the charges brought against them. This can lead to a conviction and the court will proceed with sentencing.
If the defendant pleads not guilty, it means they deny the charges brought against them. This will initiate the trial process, where the prosecution will present evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Pleading no contest, also known as nolo contendere, means the defendant neither admits nor denies the charges but accepts the punishment. This plea is often used when the defendant wants to avoid admitting guilt but does not wish to contest the charges.
In most cases, changing a plea after saying “How Say You” can be challenging. However, it may be possible to change the plea under certain circumstances, such as new evidence coming to light or a plea agreement being reached between the prosecution and defence.
If the defendant fails to respond to “How Say You,” the court may enter a plea of not guilty on their behalf. This is known as a “plea of silence” or “standing mute.”
“How Say You” is primarily used in criminal cases to determine the defendant’s plea. In civil cases, different procedures and terminologies are used to initiate the legal process.
The usage of “How Say You” may vary across different legal systems and jurisdictions. It is primarily associated with common law countries, such as the United States and England, but may not be used in all countries or legal systems.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 17th April 2024.
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