What's the difference between a strike out and an acquittal?

Johnny Utah

The local paper often reports about cases being struck out- what does this mean?

In legal terms, is it much different to an acquittal?

And, if a case is struck out in the District Court, before it even goes to hearing, is it right that the accused person is left with such a record?

NoQuarter

Johnny Utah wrote: »

The local paper often reports about cases being struck out- what does this mean?

In legal terms, is it much different to an acquittal?

And, if a case is struck out in the District Court, before it even goes to hearing, is it right that the accused person is left with such a record?

Striking out a case is not even having a hearing.

An acquittal is having a hearing and acquiting the accused.

Neither will result in a criminal record.

Reloc8

I don't disagree.

Technically an acquittal results only from a trial on indictment. The District Court equivalent is a dismissal. They are of like effect.

Importantly, a dismissal is a final order which can not be re-visited (subject to recent law changes regarding re-trials on new evidence coming to light) whereas a charge which is struck out can be re-entered and proceeded with in the future.

Johnny Utah

NoQuarter wrote: »

Striking out a case is not even having a hearing.

An acquittal is having a hearing and acquiting the accused.

Neither will result in a criminal record.

Yes, I know neither will result in a criminal record. I meant 'record' in the sense that there is a record of a case being brought.

Reloc8

There will be garda records of the prosecution, and a record of any order made by the court maintained by courts services. There may also be listings in electronic and paper format of the case.