In French law, “pour acquit” is a phrase that signifies “for acquittance.” It is a standard formula used by creditors when signing a receipt to confirm that the debt has been fully paid and to release the debtor from any additional obligations.
Definition:
Pour acquit (poor a-kee), n. [French for acquittance] is a term used in French law. It refers to the phrase that a creditor includes when signing a receipt.
Explanation:
In French law, when a creditor signs a receipt, they append the phrase “pour acquit” to signify that the debt has been completely paid off. This phrase serves as evidence of payment and safeguards the debtor against any future claims of non-payment.
Example:
For instance, if an individual borrows money from a friend and repays the debt, the friend may request a receipt as proof of payment. The creditor would then sign the receipt and include “pour acquit” to indicate that the debt has been fully settled.
Another example would be a company receiving a payment from a customer for an outstanding invoice. When the company signs the receipt, they would add “pour acquit” to indicate that the invoice has been paid in full.
These examples demonstrate how “pour acquit” is utilised in French law to signify the complete payment of a debt and provide evidence of payment.
Pour Acquit is a legal term that refers to a defence strategy used in criminal trials where the defendant admits to committing the act but argues that they should be acquitted due to a justifiable reason or legal excuse.
Some common justifiable reasons for using Pour Acquit include self-defence, necessity, duress, entrapment, and insanity.
Pour Acquit differs from other defence strategies as it focuses on justifying the defendant’s actions rather than denying their involvement in the crime. It aims to convince the court that although the defendant committed the act, they should not be held criminally responsible.
Pour Acquit can be used in various criminal cases, including murder, assault, theft, and drug offenses. However, its applicability may depend on the specific circumstances of each case.
In a Pour Acquit defence, the burden of proof lies with the defendant. They must provide sufficient evidence and convince the court that their actions were justifiable or excusable.
Yes, if the defendant successfully proves that their actions were justifiable or excusable, the court may grant a complete acquittal, resulting in the defendant being cleared of all charges.
If the Pour Acquit defence is unsuccessful, the defendant may still be convicted of the crime they are charged with. However, the defence strategy may have influenced the court’s decision, potentially leading to a lesser sentence.
Pour Acquit is not as commonly used as other defence strategies like self-defence or insanity. Its usage depends on the specific circumstances of the case and the available evidence.
No, Pour Acquit is a defence strategy used exclusively in criminal cases. In civil cases, different defence strategies are employed to protect the defendant’s interests.
The decision to use Pour Acquit as a defence strategy should be made in consultation with an experienced criminal defence attorney. They can assess the facts of your case and advise you on the most appropriate defence strategy to pursue.
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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