Legal Definitions - nient culpable

nient culpable

In the past, when someone was accused of a crime or wrongdoing, they could plead "nient culpable" which means "not guilty". This plea could be used in both criminal and civil cases. The clerk of the court would then reply on behalf of the government that the accused was guilty and ready to prove it.

John was accused of stealing a car. When he went to court, he pleaded "nient culpable" because he didn't steal the car. The clerk of the court then replied that John was guilty and ready to prove it.

In a civil case, Sarah was accused of causing damage to her neighbor's property. She pleaded "nient culpable" because she didn't cause the damage. The clerk of the court then replied that Sarah was guilty and ready to prove it.

These examples show how "nient culpable" was used in the past as a plea of "not guilty" in both criminal and civil cases.