The crossword solution for the term 'response to a charge, in court' is 'PLEA'. A PLEA is a formal statement made by a defendant in a criminal court case in which they admit or deny guilt. It is the defendant's response to the charges brought against them by the prosecution. A PLEA can be either guilty or not guilty. If the PLEA is guilty, the defendant admits to the crime and the trial ends. If the PLEA is not guilty, the defendant denies the charges and the trial proceeds.