Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
overturn-a-conviction
Phrase
/ˈoʊvərˌtɜrn ə kənˈvɪkʃən/
Definition
To reverse a legal decision that found someone guilty of a crime, thereby nullifying the previous conviction.
Examples
- The appellate court decided to overturn the conviction due to insufficient evidence.
- Years later, new DNA evidence helped them overturn the conviction.
- She worked tirelessly to gather the necessary support to overturn her husband’s conviction.
Meaning
The act of changing the outcome of a court case in which a person was found guilty, typically due to errors in the original trial process or new evidence.
Synonyms
- Quash a conviction
- Reversal of a verdict
- Vacate a sentence
- Annul a conviction
