Allocution is defined as:

Allocution is defined as:

• A. Annul
• B. Acknowledgement
• C. Allocution
• D. Adjournment

Answer: (C)

Allocution is the defendant's formal address to the court at sentencing. After a conviction or guilty plea, the judge typically asks if the defendant wishes to speak, giving them a chance to say anything relevant to the offense—such as mitigating facts, taking responsibility, expressing remorse, or offering reasons the sentence should be lighter. This moment is specific to the sentencing phase and is different from simply acknowledging something or delaying proceedings, and it isn’t about voiding a legal act. In New York practice, allocution ensures the defendant has an opportunity to be heard before sentencing is imposed.

Allocution is the defendant's formal address to the court at sentencing. After a conviction or guilty plea, the judge typically asks if the defendant wishes to speak, giving them a chance to say anything relevant to the offense—such as mitigating facts, taking responsibility, expressing remorse, or offering reasons the sentence should be lighter. This moment is specific to the sentencing phase and is different from simply acknowledging something or delaying proceedings, and it isn’t about voiding a legal act. In New York practice, allocution ensures the defendant has an opportunity to be heard before sentencing is imposed.