Prosecution Meaning

Meaning of Word

Prosecution refers to the legal process of charging someone with a crime and bringing them to trial. It involves the actions taken by the government or an appointed legal body to present evidence against a defendant in a court of law.

Definitions and Meaning in English

Noun: The act or process of prosecuting someone for a crime, typically by a public prosecutor or government attorney.
Noun: The legal team or office responsible for bringing a case against someone in a court of law.
Noun: The continuation or carrying out of a task or action, often used in a broader sense beyond law.
Noun: A specific legal case in which someone is being charged and tried for a crime.

History and Origin

The word “prosecution” comes from the Latin “prosecutio”, meaning “to pursue or follow after,” derived from “prosequi” (to follow after). It entered English in the 14th century, referring originally to the act of pursuing something (including legal action). Over time, it became specifically associated with the legal process of pursuing charges against a defendant in a criminal case.

Detailed Explanation

Prosecution is the legal procedure in which the state or government, through its appointed attorneys (often known as prosecutors), charges a person or entity with a criminal offense and seeks to prove the case in court. It is the counterpart to defense, where the accused party seeks to challenge or defend against the accusations. The prosecution’s goal is to demonstrate the guilt of the accused beyond a reasonable doubt. In criminal cases, the prosecution typically works to protect society’s interest by ensuring that lawbreakers are held accountable. The term can also refer to the legal team or office that handles the case on behalf of the state.

Example Sentences

The prosecution presented compelling evidence during the trial.
He was found guilty due to the strong case made by the prosecution.
The prosecution’s closing arguments were crucial to securing a conviction.
The defendant’s lawyer criticized the prosecution for withholding evidence.
The prosecution of the drug cartel involved multiple agencies working together.
The case went to trial, where the prosecution aimed to prove the defendant’s guilt.
The prosecution sought a harsh penalty due to the severity of the crime.
The judge ruled that the prosecution had enough evidence to proceed with the trial.
The defense attorney argued that the prosecution’s evidence was circumstantial.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

Legal action: The process of taking someone to court, typically for criminal charges.
Lawsuit: A legal case or action taken in court, often referring to civil matters but sometimes used in the context of criminal charges.
Trial: A formal examination of evidence in court to determine the guilt or innocence of an accused person, often involving prosecution.
Case: The collection of evidence and charges brought by the prosecution in a legal matter.
Criminal proceedings: The legal steps taken when someone is prosecuted for committing a crime.

Related Words with Short Explanation

Defendant: The person accused of committing a crime, who faces prosecution in court.
Defense: The legal team or arguments presented by the accused party to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Attorney: A lawyer who may work for the prosecution or defense in legal cases.
Conviction: A formal declaration that someone is guilty of a crime, often following successful prosecution.
Indictment: A formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, leading to prosecution.

More Matches with Short Explanation

Public Prosecutor: A government-appointed lawyer responsible for conducting the prosecution in criminal cases.
Criminal Prosecution: The legal process involving charges and trial for a criminal offense.
Prosecution Team: The group of legal professionals working together to bring a case against the defendant.
Prosecutorial Discretion: The decision-making power of prosecutors regarding whether or not to pursue charges in a case.
Prosecution Witness: A person called by the prosecution to testify against the defendant.

Antonyms

Defense: The actions or arguments made by the accused party to challenge the prosecution’s case.
Exoneration: The process of proving that someone is not guilty of the charges, the opposite of prosecution.
Acquittal: A legal judgment that the accused is not guilty, often following the failure of the prosecution to prove its case.
Dismissal: The act of terminating a legal case before trial, often due to insufficient evidence or legal grounds.
Exculpation: The act of clearing someone of blame or guilt, the opposite of prosecution.