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plädieren

to plead; to argue a case; to make a closing argument

verb play-DEE-ren Rare

Origin: from Latin via French

Usage Note

plädieren is used for the formal closing speech (Plädoyer) by prosecution and defence in a criminal trial. Outside court it means to argue in favour of something: für eine härtere Strafe plädieren.

Examples

"Die Verteidigerin plädierte auf Freispruch mangels Beweisen."

Natural Translation

The defence lawyer pleaded for acquittal for lack of evidence.

Literal Translation

The defender pleaded on acquittal lacking evidence.

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