1 A determination by a jury that the evidence is insufficient to convict the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. 2 A defendant's plea in court denying the prosecution's charges. notice not guilty by reason of insanity. A jury verdict or plea that acknowledges that the defendant committed the crime but states that he or she was not responsible for his or her actions by reason of a mental disease or defect, and so could not have formed the requisite mens rea, and therefore, is not guilty