Word of the Week

Scotch Verdict

A verdict of "not proven" permitted under Scottish law. It has the legal effect of an acquital (and, indeed, was the traditional manner of acquitting a defendant in Scotland). But in the 18th Century, the "not guilty" verdict gained a foothold in Scotland as a more exculpatory type of acquittal. So the "not proven" verdict now comes across as weaker -- as though the defendant is still suspect. Reportedly, Senator Arlen Specter tried to vote "not proven" on an article of impeachment of Bill Clinton. But that's just trying to vote no without voting no -- a little like smoking without inhaling.