case dismissed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "case dismissed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in a legal context to indicate that a court case has been terminated without a decision on the merits. Example: "The judge reviewed the evidence and ultimately declared the case dismissed due to lack of sufficient proof."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Case dismissed.

The New York Times

Cobra filed to have the case dismissed.

The New York Times

Malinowski had his case dismissed following probation.

The Guardian

The banks sought to have the case dismissed.

The New York Times

The testing service sought to have the case dismissed.

The New York Times

The prosecutor in the case dismissed the arguments.

The Guardian

It also asked to have the case dismissed.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

She was either acquitted or the cases dismissed.

The Guardian - Books

This does not include cases dismissed as accidents.

BBC

Why are so many cases dismissed?

Huffington Post

Other defendants only received citations or had their cases dismissed.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "case dismissed" to indicate that a court case has ended without a judgment on the merits of the claim.

Common error

Avoid using "case dismissed" metaphorically in non-legal contexts where it might sound overly dramatic or confusing. Instead, opt for phrases like "issue resolved" or "matter settled" for broader applicability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "case dismissed" functions as a declarative statement used in legal and news contexts to indicate the termination of a legal case. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage aligns with its common application in legal reporting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "case dismissed" is a common and grammatically correct expression primarily used in legal and journalistic contexts. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it signifies the termination of a legal case without a judgment on its merits. Its usage is straightforward, and the phrase typically maintains a neutral to professional tone. While highly prevalent in News & Media, it's less common in formal business or academic settings. When writing, ensure the context aligns with its legal connotation and avoid overuse in metaphorical, non-legal situations. Consider alternatives like "charges dropped" or "suit dismissed" depending on the specific scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

charges dropped

Indicates the prosecution has decided not to proceed with the charges.

acquittal granted

The defendant has been found not guilty.

suit dismissed

Specifically refers to the dismissal of a civil lawsuit.

prosecution withdrawn

The prosecuting party has withdrawn the case.

charges withdrawn

Similar to "charges dropped", but implies a formal withdrawal.

court case terminated

A more general term for the end of a court case.

action discontinued

A formal way of saying a legal action has been stopped.

claim rejected

The legal claim has been turned down by the judge.

the court ruled in favor of the defendant

Indicates the court decided the defendant is not liable.

verdict of not guilty

The formal declaration that the defendant is innocent.

FAQs

What does "case dismissed" mean in legal terms?

In legal terms, "case dismissed" means that a court case has been terminated by the judge or court, often without a determination on the merits of the case. This can occur for various reasons, such as lack of evidence, procedural errors, or a settlement between the parties.

When might a judge declare a "case dismissed"?

A judge might declare a "case dismissed" if there isn't enough evidence to proceed, if there were errors in how the case was filed or handled, if the plaintiff withdraws the case, or if a settlement is reached. The specifics depend on the jurisdiction and circumstances.

What are some alternatives to saying "case dismissed"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "charges dropped", "suit dismissed" (for civil cases), or "acquittal granted" if there was a trial and the defendant was found not guilty.

Is there a difference between "case dismissed" and "case rejected"?

While both indicate that a case is not proceeding, "case rejected" typically occurs earlier in the process when a court refuses to accept a case for filing, often due to procedural issues. "Case dismissed" usually happens after the case has been filed, but is terminated before a final judgment is reached.