Nolle Prosequi
Summary
A legal term describing the dismissal of charges, exemplified in Scripture when Gallio refused to adjudicate the Jewish accusations against Paul.
☩Gallio's Dismissal of Charges
When the Jews of Corinth brought Paul before Gallio, the Roman proconsul of Achaia, accusing him of persuading men to worship contrary to the law, Gallio refused to proceed with the case. He declared that since it was a question about words, names, and their own Jewish law rather than wrongdoing or criminal villainy, he would not be a judge of such matters. He then drove them from the judgment seat, effectively entering a 'nolle prosequi'—a decision not to prosecute the charges.
Key verses:Acts 18:12-17
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Gallio; Accuser," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. VII (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).