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General => The Common Room => Topic started by: smeni on Friday 01 October 10 15:48 BST (UK)

Title: Criminal Record (s) !
Post by: smeni on Friday 01 October 10 15:48 BST (UK)
Whilst researching part of my tree, I came across a member with a criminal record - albeit he was acquitted of the crime.  What I don't understand - and would like some advice on - is that in the "verdict" column were the words "No Bill" (at least I think that is what it says).  The others on the page had "not guilty" and this was the only one with this explanation.  Anyone know what it means please?
Title: Re: Criminal Record (s) !
Post by: stanmapstone on Friday 01 October 10 15:57 BST (UK)
It means the charge was dropped, as there was insufficient evidence for prosecution
Stan
Title: Re: Criminal Record (s) !
Post by: BORRI on Friday 01 October 10 16:02 BST (UK)
Thanks for that Stan I had the same problem, so what does True Bill mean
Title: Re: Criminal Record (s) !
Post by: stanmapstone on Friday 01 October 10 17:04 BST (UK)
A True Bill (in Law), is a bill of indictment found to be supported by sufficient evidence to justify the hearing of a case.

Stan
Title: Re: Criminal Record (s) !
Post by: BORRI on Friday 01 October 10 21:20 BST (UK)
Thanks Stan.

Borrri
Title: Re: Criminal Record (s) !
Post by: john_w on Saturday 02 October 10 10:37 BST (UK)
A True Bill or No bill results from a Grand Jury. No bill being the same as ignoramus.

This thread has a bit more about it.
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,415225.0.html
Title: Re: Criminal Record (s) !
Post by: Jeuel on Saturday 02 October 10 16:39 BST (UK)
If he was acquitted - or not tried through lack of evidence, he won't have a criminal record!
Title: Re: Criminal Record (s) !
Post by: louby2580 on Saturday 02 October 10 20:00 BST (UK)
no he wont
Title: Re: Criminal Record (s) !
Post by: larkspur on Monday 04 October 10 09:40 BST (UK)
Have you looked for the case in the local newspapers, I have come across articles where the person was aquitted due to lack of evidence, but it still made the papers. If you want to give me his name ,area he was living and approx date I will have a look for you.