prosecution

[pros-i-kyoo-shuhn]

noun

1. Law.

   1. the institution and carrying on of legal proceedings against a person.

   2. the body of officials by whom such proceedings are instituted and carried on.

2. the following up of something undertaken or begun, usually to its completion.

prosecution

/ ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃən /

noun

1. the act of prosecuting or the state of being prosecuted

2. 1. the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a person

   2. the proceedings brought in the name of the Crown to put an accused on trial

3. the lawyers acting for the Crown to put the case against a person Compare defence

4. the following up or carrying on of something begun, esp with a view to its accomplishment or completion

Other Word Forms

• nonprosecution noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of prosecution¹

First recorded in 1555–65; from Late Latin prōsecūtiōn-, stem of prōsecūtiō “follow-up”; equivalent to prosecute + -ion

Example Sentences

Sources familiar with the prosecution’s case told ABC that a central witness’ testimony would make the case “problematic.”

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Both the prosecution and defence expected the trial to last just two to three days.

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He later apologised to jurors for the "disturbance" as the case resumed and said Mr Hussein did not wish to return in court for the rest of the prosecution opening.

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The government has always maintained it is "frustrated" that the trial collapsed and Mr Parkinson's intervention comes after weeks of speculation about why the prosecution could not continue.

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When the five-hour hearing finally concluded, the event had the feeling of a partisan house of mirrors, with each side accusing the other of political weaponisation and partisan prosecutions.

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Related Words

• government 
• prosecutor