Prosecute
/ˈprɒsɪkjuːt/
Definitions
- (v.) To initiate and carry on a legal action against a person or organization in a court of law.
The state decided to prosecute the suspect for fraud.
- (v.) To pursue or carry out a course of action, activity, or project.
She decided to prosecute her research despite the difficulties.
Forms
- prosecutes
- prosecuted
- prosecuting
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Often used in criminal law contexts, 'prosecute' implies formal legal action; in other contexts, it means to continue or carry out an activity.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.