prosecution

[pros-i-kyoo-shuh n] /ˌprɒs ɪˈkyu ʃən/

noun

Law.

the institution and carrying on of legal proceedings against a person.
the body of officials by whom such proceedings are instituted and carried on.

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

Origin

1555-65; < Late Latin prōsecūtiōn- (stem of prōsecūtiō) a following up. See prosecute, -ion

Related forms

nonprosecution, noun

Examples from the web for prosecution

Also subsequent action by the prosecution service and the courts.
He should state unequivocally that he will not propose a law to render the head of state immune from criminal prosecution.
Of course the top officers lose their jobs and can be subject to criminal prosecution.
Another new technology made available with overtures of investigative purposes for criminal prosecution.
The prosecution may well try to have him answer to more.
But the lack does make the legal basis for prosecution kind of weak.
After hearing evidence from the prosecution and the defense, juries decide the facts.
The ratings agencies were given immunity from prosecution.
After eight years, it is finally batter up for the prosecution.
prosecution officials refused to comment on the report.

British Dictionary definitions for prosecution

prosecution

/ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃən/

noun

the act of prosecuting or the state of being prosecuted

the institution and conduct of legal proceedings against a person
the proceedings brought in the name of the Crown to put an accused on trial

the lawyers acting for the Crown to put the case against a person Compare defence (sense 6)

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

Word Origin and History for prosecution

1560s, "action of pursuing," from Middle French prosecution (late 13c.) and directly from Late Latin prosecutionem (nominative prosecutio) "a following," noun of action from past participle stem of prosequi (see prosecute). Meaning "legal action" is from 1630s.