The word "cleared charges" is spelled as /klɪrd tʃɑːrdʒɪz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. "Cleared" is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by the consonants "r" and "d". "Charges" is pronounced with a soft "ch" sound followed by the vowel "a" and the consonants "r", "d", "ʒ", and "ɪz". This phrase refers to legal charges that have been resolved, usually in favor of the accused or defendant. It is often used in the context of criminal or civil cases.
Cleared charges refer to the resolution or disposition of criminal charges against an individual where the charges are proven to be false or baseless, resulting in the individual being exonerated and their record being cleared of any wrongdoing or criminal history. This term is commonly used within the legal system to describe a situation in which an accused person is found not guilty or acquitted after a trial, or when charges are dropped by the prosecutor due to insufficient evidence or other factors.
When charges are cleared, it means that the accused person is no longer legally considered to have committed the offense they were initially accused of. As a result, their criminal record is updated to reflect their innocence, and any mention of the charges is removed from their record. Cleared charges can have significant implications for an individual's reputation, employment prospects, and personal life since the absence of a criminal record promotes a presumption of innocence and removes any potential negative consequences associated with the accusation.
Cleared charges can also refer to situations in which a person is initially arrested or charged with a crime but is subsequently found innocent through investigation or evidence that proves their innocence. In these cases, the charges are cleared without going through a formal trial or legal proceedings. The goal of cleared charges is to fairly determine a person's guilt or innocence based on the available evidence and ensure that individuals who are not guilty are not unjustly penalized or stigmatized.
The term "cleared charges" does not have a specific etymology. It is a phrase that is composed of two common English words used in legal and criminal justice contexts.
The word "cleared" can be traced back to the Old English word "clæran", meaning "purify" or "make clear". Over time, it evolved to its current definition, which can refer to various meanings such as removing obstacles, solving mysteries, or making things known.
The word "charges" has its roots in the Old French word "charge" and the Latin word "carricare", both meaning "to load" or "to burden". In a legal context, it refers to accusations or formal allegations against someone regarding a crime or offense.
When combined, "cleared charges" can generally mean that the accusations or charges against an individual have been resolved, dismissed, or proven false.