無罪放免される
被告は無罪放免された。
The defendant was acquitted and released.
To be legally declared not guilty and freed from custody or charges.
裁判官は彼に無罪放免の判決を下した。
The judge delivered a verdict of acquittal and release for him.
検察側の証拠不足により、被告は無罪放免となった。
Due to insufficient evidence from the prosecution, the defendant was acquitted and released.
Often used in legal contexts to describe the outcome of a trial where the accused is found not guilty.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Legal Context Nuance
無罪放免される is a formal legal term. In everyday speech, 釈放される (shakuhō sareru, 'to be released') is more common, but it doesn't imply innocence. Always use 無罪放免される when emphasizing the 'not guilty' aspect.
Gold Rule
Passive Form Usage
The verb is always in the passive form (される) when describing the subject's state (e.g., 被告は無罪放免された). The active voice (e.g., 裁判官が無罪放免する) is grammatically incorrect in this context.
Word Origin
無罪 (muzai, 'innocent') + 放免 (houmen, 'release from custody') + される (sareru, passive auxiliary verb). The phrase combines legal terms to describe the state of being freed after a not-guilty verdict.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in formal legal contexts. The passive form (される) emphasizes the action being performed on the subject (e.g., the court or legal system). Avoid using in casual conversation unless referencing a legal scenario.