In a criminal case, what is the term for the defendant’s response of guilty or not guilty?

The term for the defendant's response of guilty or not guilty is "plea." In a criminal case, when a defendant is formally asked to respond to the charges against them, they can enter a plea of guilty, indicating they accept responsibility for the crime, or not guilty, indicating they deny the charges and will contest the evidence presented by the prosecution. This initial response is a crucial part of the legal process, as it sets the stage for how the case will proceed.

In contrast, a verdict refers to the decision made by the jury or judge at the conclusion of a trial, determining the defendant's guilt or innocence after all evidence has been presented. A motion refers to a formal request made to the court for a specific ruling or order within the case, and affirmation is typically used to confirm or validate a previously made statement or action rather than as a formal response to charges in a criminal case.