What does "nolo contendere" mean in legal terms?

In legal terms, "nolo contendere," which translates from Latin as "I do not wish to contend," refers specifically to a plea of no contest. By entering this plea, the defendant does not admit guilt but also does not contest the charges brought against them in court. This allows the court to impose a sentence without the defendant having to formally admit to the crime, which can have implications for civil liability.

Choosing this pleases individuals because it can shield them from certain types of civil lawsuits that might follow a guilty plea or conviction. It’s important to understand that while this plea does not equate to a guilty plea, it has similar legal consequences, as the court generally treats it as such, resulting in a conviction on the defendant's record.

The other options present different legal concepts and do not align with the specific meaning of "nolo contendere." For instance, a plea of not guilty asserts that the defendant is contesting the charges, and a request for a trial indicates the defendant’s desire for a formal legal hearing, neither of which reflects the essence of a no contest plea.