What Latin term means 'no contest' and is a plea that is guilty in criminal court but not guilty in civil court?

• A. Guilty with explanation
• B. Nolo contendere
• C. Alford plea
• D. Plea of no contest

Answer: (B)

Nolo contendere is the Latin term that means "no contest." It describes a plea in a criminal case where the defendant does not admit guilt but agrees to accept punishment as if they were guilty. The key point is that this plea cannot be used as an admission of guilt in civil lawsuits arising from the same conduct, because no guilt is formally admitted. This is what makes it distinct from other options: an Alford plea involves pleading guilty while maintaining innocence to secure a deal, and the English phrase no contest is simply the same idea in English, not the Latin term the question asks for.