Prosecuting: meaning, definitions and examples
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prosecuting
[ ˈprɒsɪkjuːtɪŋ ]
legal context
Prosecuting refers to the act of bringing a legal action against someone, particularly in criminal cases, where the state or government initiates a case to hold the accused accountable for crimes. It involves conducting the trial, presenting evidence, and arguing the case in court to achieve a conviction. Prosecutors are typically responsible for deciding whether to pursue charges, which charges to file, and how to approach the trial. Effective prosecuting is essential for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served.
Synonyms
charging, litigating, pursuing
Examples of usage
- The attorney is prosecuting a high-profile criminal case.
- She is known for prosecuting cases of fraud.
- The state is prosecuting the defendant for armed robbery.
Translations
Translations of the word "prosecuting" in other languages:
🇵🇹 processando
🇮🇳 अभियोजन
🇩🇪 verfolgend
🇮🇩 menggugat
🇺🇦 обвинувачення
🇵🇱 oskarżający
🇯🇵 起訴する
🇫🇷 poursuivant
🇪🇸 persecutor
🇹🇷 kovalamak
🇰🇷 기소하는
🇸🇦 مقاضاة
🇨🇿 stíhající
🇸🇰 stíhajúci
🇨🇳 起诉
🇸🇮 pregibati
🇮🇸 saksókn
🇰🇿 сотқа тарту
🇬🇪 შეთანხმება
🇦🇿 ittiham
🇲🇽 persecutor
Etymology
The word 'prosecuting' comes from the Latin root 'prosequi', which means 'to follow after' or 'to pursue'. This root has evolved through Middle French 'prosecuir', which retained the meaning of following or pursuing. In the context of law, the term has been used since the late Middle Ages, when it referred to the act of pursuing a legal case in court. The application of 'prosecute' in legal terms emphasizes the role of the state or government in pursuing justice on behalf of the community, highlighting the evolution from a personal vendetta to a structured legal process. Over time, this term has become firmly established in the legal lexicon, denoting the formal initiation and continuation of criminal proceedings.