frifundet

Frifundet is a Swedish legal term that translates to "acquitted" or "found not guilty" in English. It refers to the outcome of a criminal trial where the court determines that the defendant is not guilty of the charges brought against them. This means the prosecution has failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

When a defendant is frifundet, they are released from any charges and cannot be tried again for the same offense, a principle known as double jeopardy. This verdict signifies that the evidence presented by the prosecution was insufficient to establish guilt, or that the defense successfully raised reasonable doubt.

The concept of frifundet is fundamental to many legal systems, emphasizing the presumption of innocence. It is a critical safeguard against wrongful convictions and ensures that individuals are only punished when their guilt is definitively established through due process. The decision of frifundet is made by a judge or a jury, based on the evidence and legal arguments presented during the trial. It is the opposite of a conviction, where guilt is established.