Legal Literacy - In Dutch legal terminology, there are terms for acquittal (vrijspraak) and release from prosecution (onslag van recht vervolging). So, what is the difference between release and acquittal? Let's look at the discussion below.

Release from all legal charges is a decision given by the court in a criminal case, which states that the act charged to the defendant is proven legally and convincingly, but the court is of the opinion that the act is not a criminal act. This means that the defendant will not be punished for the act, and will not face other legal actions for the actions he has committed.

In another language, release from all legal charges is referred to as onslag van recht vervolging. The onslag verdict is handed down by a judge in a criminal case when:

  1. The defendant's actions are proven legally and convincingly,
  2. The act is not a criminal act.

Example:

  • Someone is accused of fraud, but the judge decides that the act is not fraud but a breach of contract which is within the realm of civil law.
  • Someone is accused of abuse, but the judge decides that the abuse was committed because the defendant acted in self-defense.

Consequence onslag:

  • The defendant is not convicted.
  • The criminal case is terminated.
  • The defendant has no criminal record.