What does the plea of not guilty signify in a trial?

The plea of not guilty signifies that the accused denies the charges brought against them in a trial. This plea indicates that the defendant contests the allegations and asserts their innocence. By entering a not guilty plea, the accused is asserting their right to a fair trial, in which the prosecution must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. This plea sets the stage for the legal process to unfold, which could include evidence presentation, witness testimonies, and other judicial procedures necessary to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused.

In contrast, an admission of guilt would be indicated by a guilty plea, and a plea of no contest does not necessarily admit guilt but acknowledges the charges without contesting them. A not guilty plea does not imply that the trial will be dismissed or that the court will proceed directly to sentencing; rather, it leads to a full trial process where the evidence will be deliberated.