What is the legal meaning of "nolo contendere"?

The term "nolo contendere," which translates from Latin as "I do not wish to contest," refers to a specific plea in the legal context where a defendant does not admit guilt but also does not contest the charges brought against them. By entering this plea, the defendant essentially accepts the consequences of the charges without formally admitting to criminal liability.

This plea is especially significant because it can be used in criminal cases and has the effect of a guilty plea in terms of sentencing, but it does not carry an admission of guilt that can be used against the defendant in subsequent civil litigation related to the same matter. Therefore, choosing "a statement of no defense to the accusation" accurately captures the essence of what "nolo contendere" represents in legal proceedings.

The other options do not encapsulate this idea accurately as they imply admissions of guilt or specific actions that do not directly align with the meaning of "nolo contendere."