nolle prosequi
[Latin: to be unwilling to prosecute] A procedure by which the Attorney General may terminate criminal proceedings. The Attorney General’s decision to enter a nolle prosequi is not subject to control by the courts. The procedure is most commonly employed when the accused cannot be produced in court to plead or stand trial owing to some physical or mental incapacity that is expected to be permanent. A nolle prosequi does not bar a further prosecution. |