prosecution

Everyday

1. (law) Taking someone to court and charging them with a crime. tree →
2. (law) «The prosecution» is the lawyer or team trying to prove that the accused person is guilty. tree →
3. (formal) Carrying on with something, as in «the prosecution of a war». tree →

In the lessons

In court the prosecution tries to prove guilt, and the defence argues for the accused. In Alice in Wonderland the trial of the Knave of Hearts, accused of stealing the tarts, is a funny, unfair trial. In The Wind in the Willows Toad is prosecuted and sent to prison for twenty years.

Examples

• The prosecution showed the evidence to the jury. tree →
• He faced prosecution for shoplifting. tree →
• The prosecution called its first witness. tree →
• Toad was prosecuted for stealing a motor-car. tree →
• The case was dropped, so there was no prosecution. tree →
• The defence argued against the prosecution. tree →

Note

Verb: prosecute; the lawyer: prosecutor. Do not confuse with «persecution» (cruel treatment of people because of who they are).