Prosecution Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Prosecution, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Prosecution?

The act of prosecuting ( charges leading to trial) the defendant(offender) in the criminal case in the court, by the government attorney to establish justice. Prosecution generally represents the government/state in the case.

History and Meaning of Prosecution

The act of prosecution in legal terms means to initiate charges against an individual or entity that has committed a crime against the state or the country. It serves as a legal proceeding to hold the alleged perpetrator accountable for their actions. The goal of the prosecution is not to prove the defendant is guilty but to obtain a conviction based on evidence that is beyond a reasonable doubt. Throughout history, the prosecution has been viewed as representing the state or government in criminal proceedings and is typically headed by a district attorney or state attorney.

Examples of Prosecution

  1. The prosecutor had a strong case against the defendant, which resulted in a guilty verdict.
  2. The district attorney brought charges against the company for violating environmental laws.
  3. The prosecution argued that the defendant was guilty of embezzlement, based on the financial records presented in court.
  4. The state's attorney announced that he would seek the death penalty in the high-profile murder case.
  5. Due to the evidence presented by the prosecution, the judge dismissed the charges against the defendant.

Legal Terms Similar to Prosecution

  1. Defense: The act of defending or protecting the interests of a defendant through legal means in a court of law.
  2. Indictment: A formal charge issued by a grand jury that accuses someone of a crime.
  3. Jury: A group of people selected to hear the evidence presented in court and determine the verdict in a trial.
  4. Plea bargain: An agreement reached between the prosecution and defense, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence.
  5. Sentencing: The process of determining the punishment for a convicted defendant after the trial.