Plea Meaning
Plea Definition & Usage
A formal request or appeal made to a court, often regarding a defendant's guilt or innocence or requesting leniency.
Examples
- "The defendant's plea was one of not guilty."
- "The plea for a reduced sentence was denied by the judge."
- "After a long deliberation, the jury accepted his plea of self-defense."
- "Her lawyer made a heartfelt plea for clemency, asking for a second chance."
- "The prosecutor rejected the plea bargain offered by the defense."
A serious or emotional request made with urgency or desperation, often seeking help or sympathy.
Examples
- "The family's plea for help went unanswered for days."
- "In his plea for peace, the diplomat urged both nations to come to the table."
- "Her plea for forgiveness was met with silence from her family."
- "The plea of the children for a new playground was taken up by the city council."
- "In a heartfelt plea, she asked for her friends' support during a difficult time."
A request or appeal, often made urgently or as a last resort.
Examples
- "The mayor made a plea for public safety in the wake of the storm."
- "The environmental group issued a plea for more sustainable policies."
- "His plea for donations to the charity resulted in overwhelming support."
- "The team’s plea for better funding was heard by the school board."
- "The plea for better healthcare access was echoed across the community."
Cultural Context
The word 'plea' has its roots in the legal world, where it first referred to a formal statement made by a defendant in response to criminal charges. Over time, it expanded in usage to encompass emotional or urgent requests in broader contexts, often associated with appeals for help or understanding. It is commonly heard in media, particularly in stories about legal cases or personal struggles.
A Plea for Justice
Story
A Plea for Justice
The courtroom was filled with tension as Maya stood before the judge. Her hands trembled, not just from fear, but from the weight of what she was about to say. She had been accused of a crime she didn’t commit, and though her lawyer had already argued her innocence, it was now up to her to make her plea. 'Your Honor,' Maya began, her voice shaking but determined, 'I am not guilty. I beg of you to see the truth.' Her plea for justice echoed in the room, and even the stern faces of the jurors seemed to soften at the raw emotion in her voice. But her case wasn't just about the law—it was about her reputation, her life, her future. The prosecutor had already suggested a harsh sentence, making Maya's plea for mercy all the more desperate. Her lawyer had advised against making an emotional appeal, but Maya felt there was no choice. She couldn't just stand there and accept defeat. 'I plead with you, Your Honor,' she continued, her voice louder now, 'to see the human being behind the accusation. I have lived a good life, and I ask for your compassion.' The room fell silent, each person in it absorbing the weight of her words. The judge, who had seen countless cases, stared at her for what seemed like an eternity before speaking. 'I hear your plea, Ms. Ramirez. And I will take it into consideration.' Maya knew she had done all she could. Whether or not it would sway the court, she couldn't say. But she hoped, with all her heart, that her plea would be the one thing that made a difference in this battle for her freedom. The next day, as the verdict was read, Maya's heart pounded in her chest. 'Not guilty,' the judge declared. The plea for justice had been heard, and it had worked. Maya had won her fight—not just in the courtroom, but for her dignity as well.
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