When did you first hear the word “prosecute”? Chances are it was likely during a news story or a legal drama on television. While many know the word in relation to the criminal court system, it is important to understand that “prosecute” is used in many different contexts.
What Does Prosecute Mean in a Legal Setting?
In a legal setting, to “prosecute” someone means that the state or federal government is bringing criminal charges against them. A prosecutor is responsible for bringing the case and presenting the evidence to the court in order to obtain a conviction. This process is known as plea bargaining, in which the defendant either pleads guilty or no-contest to the crime in exchange for a lighter sentence, or they can take the case to trial where a judge and jury will decide on a verdict.
What Are Civil Prosecutions?
Civil prosecutions are proceedings which are brought to a court of law by citizens or entities against another private citizen or entity. These proceedings can be initiated by either the plaintiff or the defendant and can involve a variety of issues. Civil prosecution usually results in some form of compensation or a court order compelling the defendant to take some sort of action.
How Is ‘Prosecute’ Used Outside of the Courtroom?
In everyday use, to “prosecute” something means to make an effort or take action to bring something about. For example, you might hear someone say “we need to start prosecuting our marketing strategies to increase our visibility online.” In this sense, prosecuting does not mean to pursue criminal charges, but rather to ensure a desired goal is achieved through focused effort.
Conclusion
Overall, the word “prosecute” can refer to the legal process of bringing criminal charges or it can refer to a more general effort to bring about a goal. Whether it’s in a legal setting or in everyday use, it’s important to understand the distinction between the two uses of the word “prosecute” to ensure clear communication.