Non contest is a term used in the field of boxing, to refer to a bout which ends for reasons which are beyond the control of the fighters. A disqualification win or a knock-out win for any of the boxers varies from country to country. In the beginning of the 20th century, referees were known to signal 'no contest' and stop the contests when the bouts would turn boring. Sometimes due to the violent turn of events which would follow the boxing bouts, the police had to interfere and stop the boxing by declaring it a 'non contest.' Since the middle of the 20th century because of legalization of boxing in various parts of the world; the number of 'no contests' have decreased dramatically. Non contest can also pertain to the defendant's appeal to the court of law that he or she does not wish to dispute the charges filed against him/her.