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Plea (Noun)

(law) a defendant's answer by a factual matter (as distinguished from a demurrer).

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

The defendant's plea of insanity was met with skepticism by the prosecution.
In her plea, the accused denied any involvement in the crime.
The court rejected the defendant's plea of self-defense and proceeded with the trial.
After consulting with his lawyer, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect.
The prosecution anticipated that the defendant would enter a plea of no contest, but he surprised them with a plea of guilty to the lesser charge.

A humble request for help from someone in authority.

Nouns denoting communicative processes and contents.

The desperate mother made a heartfelt plea to the judge to show mercy to her son.
The villagers sent a delegation to make a plea to the government for aid after the devastating flood.
The student made a plea to the teacher to extend the deadline for the assignment.
The refugee made a plea to the immigration officer to grant her asylum.
The community leader made a plea to the mayor to allocate funds for the new community center.

An answer indicating why a suit should be dismissed.

Nouns denoting acts or actions.

The lawyer entered a plea in bar, arguing that the court did not have jurisdiction over the defendant.
The defense counsel prepared a detailed plea to have the charges dismissed due to lack of evidence.
In a bold move, the attorney made a plea for judicial dismissal of the entire case, citing inconsistencies in the prosecution's evidence.
After carefully reviewing the evidence, the attorney submitted a written plea for the judge to consider before rendering a decision.
In the closing arguments, the counsel advanced a forceful plea to dismiss the indictment, focusing on weaknesses in the prosecution's case.