兩者均有宣告無罪的含義。區(qū)別在于acquit多為因證據(jù)不足等原因經(jīng)審判裁定無罪或因證據(jù)不足而不予起訴或撤訴[1]。absolve除有此種含義之外，還多用于表示有罪但卻予以赦免或免罪[2]。
    
[1] "To find not guilt. " Cf. Daphne A. Dukelow, The Dictionary of Canadian Law, at p. 10, Thomson Professional Publishing Canada (1991 ). “To release a criminal defendant from a charge, either upon a finding of not guilty by the jury or because the court or the prosecution determined that the trial should not go forward after the trial was commenced. ” Cf. James E. Clapp, Random House Webster's Dictionary of the Law, at p. 11 Random House (2000).

[2] "To free of guilt or suspicion. ” Cf. James E. Clapp, Random House Webster's Dictionary of the Law，at p. 4 Random House (2000). “ To free from the penalties for misconduct. "Cf. Bryan A. Gamer, Black's Law Dictionary, 7th edition, at p. 8，West Group (1999). "To pardon； to acquit of a crime", Cf. Daphne A. Dukelow, The Dictionary of Canadian Law, at p. 3, Thomson Professional Publishing Canada (1991 ).