NoLo

Nolo is a term that can refer to several different concepts in language and law, as well as a modern publishing brand. In Latin, nolo is the first-person singular present active indicative of the verb nōlō, meaning “I do not want” or “I am unwilling.” It appears in classical texts and in legal phrases, where it can introduce statements of refusal or non-will.

In legal usage, the phrase nolo contendere translates to “I do not wish to contend” and describes a plea used in some criminal cases. A defendant who enters a nolo contendere plea accepts punishment and consequences without admitting guilt. The practical effects of this plea vary by jurisdiction, and it can influence subsequent civil liability and sentencing considerations.

In Italian, nolo functions as a noun meaning freight, hire, or rental. It is used in contracts and shipping terminology to indicate the cost of carriage or the act of leasing goods or services.

NOLO is also the name of an American legal publisher and information company, NOLO Press. Founded in the 1970s, NOLO publishes do-it-yourself legal guides and online resources on topics such as wills, real estate, small-business formation, and employment law. The company provides templates and forms and aims to make legal information accessible to non-lawyers, while noting that its materials do not substitute for professional legal advice.