An acquittal is a formal finding by a judge or jury that the accused is not guilty of the offence charged. It means the Crown failed to prove every element of the offence beyond a reasonable doubt — the standard of proof required in all criminal cases in Canada.
An acquittal can result from a trial where the evidence was insufficient, where a defence such as self-defence or consent was established, or where the judge excluded critical evidence under section 24(2) of the Charter. An acquittal is a final determination — the Crown cannot retry the accused on the same charge unless a higher court sets the acquittal aside on appeal.
Unlike a withdrawal or stay of proceedings, an acquittal is a decision on the merits. The accused was tried and found not guilty. No criminal record results from an acquittal.