NOLLE PROSEQUI (sometimes shortened into not. pros.)  , a technical

term of English law, the meaning of which varies as it is used with reference to civil or criminal cases . In civil cases it applied only to actions in the king's bench division, and there signified a formal undertaking by the plaintiff that he intended to proceed no further with the action (se ulterius nolle prosequi) . The more modern practice in such cases is to proceed by way of discontinuance . In proceedings either by indictment or by information, a nolle prosequi or stay of proceedings may be entered by the attorney-general . The nolle prosequi is a matter purely for his discretion, and will not be granted unless very good ground be shown for his interference . The object of it generally is to obtain a stay of proceedings against an accomplice in order to procure his evidence . This object is, however, more usually effected by the prosecution offering no evidence and the judge directing an acquittal . In the United States the term bears the same meaning as in England, with one exception . The attorney-general has not the same discretion with which English law invests him . Although in some states the prosecuting officer may enter a nolle prosequi at his discretion, in others the leave of the court must be obtained .