Legal Definitions - ignore

The term "ignore" generally means to intentionally disregard something, to choose not to pay attention to it, or to refuse to acknowledge its presence or importance. In a specific legal context, particularly concerning grand juries, it refers to a grand jury's decision to reject a proposed indictment because they find insufficient evidence or probable cause to proceed with criminal charges. This action is also known as "no-billing" a charge.

• General Context Example: A property owner received several official notices from the city regarding a hazardous tree on their land that needed to be removed. Despite the clear warnings about potential liability, the owner chose to ignore these notices, resulting in the city eventually taking action and billing them for the removal.

  Explanation: This illustrates the general meaning of "ignore" as a deliberate refusal to notice, consider, or act upon important information or directives.

• Grand Jury Context Example 1: After a prosecutor presented evidence and witness testimony regarding an alleged fraud scheme, the grand jury deliberated. They ultimately voted to ignore the proposed indictment, determining that the evidence did not establish sufficient probable cause to bring formal criminal charges against the suspect.

  Explanation: In this scenario, "ignore" signifies the grand jury's decision to reject the prosecutor's request for an indictment, effectively stopping the case from proceeding to trial due to a lack of compelling evidence.

• Grand Jury Context Example 2: A grand jury was tasked with reviewing a case involving an alleged assault. Despite the victim's testimony, the grand jury found inconsistencies in the evidence and a lack of corroborating details. Consequently, they decided to ignore the indictment, concluding that the charges were not adequately supported to warrant a prosecution.

  Explanation: This example further clarifies the legal use of "ignore," demonstrating that a grand jury can dismiss a potential case at an early stage if they believe the charges are groundless or lack sufficient support, preventing the case from proceeding to a full trial.