NCTJ Court Reporting Practice Exam

What does an absolute discharge mean for a defendant?

1. A conviction with no record

2. A release without any consequences

3. A punishment resulting in further fines

4. A conviction without additional penalties

The correct answer is: A conviction without additional penalties

An absolute discharge is a legal term that refers to a situation where a defendant is found guilty of an offense but is not subjected to any additional penalties or punishment following their conviction. This means that while there is technically a conviction on record, the defendant is free from further consequences, such as probation, fines, or community service. In practical terms, once the absolute discharge is granted, the defendant does not face any additional legal repercussions, and importantly, they may be able to avoid the long-term impacts of a criminal record, depending on the jurisdiction's rules regarding record keeping. This type of discharge is often used for minor offenses where the court determines that imposing additional penalties would be inappropriate or unnecessary. Other choices may mention consequences, punishments, or records that suggest there is some form of ongoing liability or drawback resulting from the conviction, which is not the case with an absolute discharge.