Prosecute

To institute legal proceedings against a person or organization, typically in a court of law, to charge them with a crime or offense. It involves presenting evidence, calling witnesses, and arguing the case to a judge or jury to establish the guilt of the accused. The goal is to obtain a conviction and impose a penalty, such as imprisonment or a fine. It can also refer to carrying on a legal action or business, pursuing something vigorously, or continuing with an endeavour despite challenges.

Prosecute meaning with examples

• The district attorney decided to prosecute the company for environmental violations after a lengthy investigation revealed illegal dumping. The prosecution will present compelling evidence and witness testimony to prove the company knowingly harmed local waterways. If convicted, the company faces significant fines and potential closure, sending a strong message.
• After gathering overwhelming evidence, the state moved to prosecute the suspect for armed robbery. The detectives worked tirelessly to collect witness statements and trace the stolen goods. The court proceedings will commence next month, with the suspect represented by a public defender, hoping for an acquittal.
• Due to a lack of evidence, the authorities chose not to prosecute the individual accused of minor theft. The prosecution would have had to produce hard evidence. The law enforcement decided to issue a warning instead, acknowledging the complexities of the situation and the limited chances for a successful court process.
• The government is aiming to prosecute financial fraud cases aggressively to deter white-collar crime. Special investigative units are focusing on complex schemes. The emphasis on prosecution highlights the commitment to uphold financial integrity and bring offenders to justice, sending a message to the economic sector.
• The lawyer decided to prosecute his own case after a long and drawn out time in the court process. This will mean they will have to gather all evidence and present their own argument to the jury. The trial will be very complex as the lawyer has to work and present the case at the same time.