What does prosecute mean in simple terms?

: to engage in : perform. 3. : to bring legal action against for redress or punishment of a crime or violation of law. : to institute legal proceedings with reference to. prosecute a claim.

What does it mean to prosecute someone?

prosecute verb (LEGAL)

to officially accuse someone of committing a crime in a law court, or (of a lawyer) to try to prove that a person accused of committing a crime is guilty of that crime: Shoplifters will be prosecuted. He was prosecuted for fraud.

What is an example of prosecute?

Prosecute is defined as to have a criminal case against someone, or to pursue or keep doing something. An example of to prosecute is to hold a court case against someone for murder. An example of to prosecute is to engage in a project until its end.

Does prosecuted mean charged?

If the authorities prosecute someone, they charge them with a crime and put them on trial.

What is another word for Prosecute?

In this page you can discover 40 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for prosecute, like: follow up, execute, charge, continue, indict, involve in litigation, accuse, punish, defend, pardon and do.

What’s another word for prosecution?

In this page you can discover 32 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for prosecution, like: accuser, discharge, execution, pursuit, lawyer, performance, prosecutor, enforcement, do, government and achievement.

What does prosecution mean in law?

prosecution. n. 1) in criminal law, the government attorney charging and trying the case against a person accused of a crime. 2) a common term for the government’s side in a criminal case, as in “the prosecution will present five witnesses” or “the prosecution rests” (has completed its case).

Who can prosecute a criminal case?

Criminal cases come to court after a decision has been made by, usually the Crown Prosecution Service, to prosecute someone for an alleged crime. The vast majority of cases (over 95 per cent), are heard in the Magistrates’ court, either by a panel of three Magistrates or by a District Judge (Magistrates’ court).

What’s the difference between prosecution and persecution?

Prosecute – to bring legal action against for redress or punishment of a crime or violation of law. Persecute – to harass or punish in a manner designed to injure, grieve, or afflict; specifically: to cause to suffer because of belief.

Can you prosecute a war?

Rule 158. States must investigate war crimes allegedly committed by their nationals or armed forces, or on their territory, and, if appropriate, prosecute the suspects. They must also investigate other war crimes over which they have jurisdiction and, if appropriate, prosecute the suspects.

What is the first step in the prosecution process?

The first stage is the police investigation.

How long does it take to be prosecuted?

Time between being charged and the first hearing: 34 days. Time between the first hearing and completion at the magistrates’: 9 days. Time between the sending of the case to Crown Court to the start of trial: 119 days. Time between the start of the trial and the completion of the trial: 50 days.

Can you privately prosecute someone?

Any adult has the right to apply to a magistrates’ court to bring a private prosecution. However, there are a small number of offences where the prosecutor is restricted, or that can only be prosecuted if the Attorney General consents.

What evidence is needed to be charged?

The officer only needs to have a reasonable suspicion that the person committed a crime or has information about a crime. Slightly more evidence is necessary to charge a person with a crime. An officer only needs probable cause to believe the person committed or took part in a crime.

Can someone press charges without proof?

In general, you cannot be charged without evidence, but many people take this to mean physical evidence. In the absence of physical evidence, you can still receive drug charges if you had control over an illegal substance or had the intent to sell or distribute that substance, even if you did not physically possess it.

How are people prosecuted?

Bringing the Charge

Criminal charges are brought against a person in one of three ways: Through an indictment voted by a grand jury. Through the filing of an information by the prosecuting attorney (also called the county, district, or state’s attorney) alleging that a crime was committed.

Can a prosecutor drop charges?

A prosecutor may drop a criminal charge if it is determined that the evidence against the accused isn’t strong enough. Or, perhaps new evidence is found which undercuts the prosecution’s case against the defendant.

Why do prosecutors drag out cases?

If the prosecution lacks evidence strong enough to secure a conviction, the prosecution may look to drag the case to give the police time to find even more evidence to support the case.