What is the term for a plea where the defendant neither admits nor disputes the charge?

The term for a plea where the defendant neither admits nor disputes the charge is "nolo contendere." This plea, often translated as "I do not wish to contend," allows a defendant to accept conviction without admitting guilt. By entering a nolo contendere plea, an individual faces the same penalties as with a guilty plea but does not formally admit to the crime, which can have benefits in civil litigation that might arise from the same incident. This means that while the defendant is accepting the legal consequences of the plea, they are not providing an admission of guilt that could be used against them in a civil case later on.

This concept is important as it provides defendants flexibility in their legal strategy, particularly when the implications of an admission of guilt could lead to broader repercussions beyond the criminal justice system. Understanding this plea and its applications can be essential for both defendants and legal professionals in navigating the complexities of the law.