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==Synonyms==
==Synonyms==
[[certainty]], [[opinion]]
[[certainty]], [[opinion]]
==Description==
In [[law]], a '''conviction''' is the [[verdict]] that results when a [[court]] of [[law]] finds a defendant [[guilty]] of a [[crime]].
The [[opposite]] of a conviction is an [[acquittal]] (i.e. "not [[guilty]]"). In Scotland and in the Netherlands, there can also be a verdict of "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Not_proven not proven]", which counts as an [[acquittal]]. There are also cases where the [[court]] orders that a defendant not be convicted, despite [[being]] found [[guilty]].
For a host of [[reasons]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Criminal_justice criminal justice] system is not [[perfect]], and sometimes [[guilty]] defendants are [[acquitted]], while [[innocent]] people are convicted. [[Appeal]] [[mechanisms]] mitigate this [[problem]] to some extent. An [[error]] which results in the conviction of an [[innocent]] [[person]] is known as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miscarriage_of_justice miscarriage of justice].
After a defendant is convicted, the [[court]] determines the appropriate sentence as a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punishment punishment]. Furthermore, the conviction may lead to results beyond the terms of the sentence itself. Such ramifications are known as the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collateral_consequences_of_criminal_charges collateral consequences of criminal charges].
A minor conviction is considered, in a [[term]], a [[warning]] conviction, and it doesn't affect the defendant, but does serve as a warning.
A [[history]] of convictions are called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antecedent_(law) antecedents], known colloquially as "previous" in the United Kingdom, and "priors" in the United States and Australia.
The history of convictions also shows that a minor law conviction can be prosecuted as any [[individuals]] punishment.
[[Category: Law]]
[[Category: General Reference]]
[[Category: General Reference]]
