criminal prosecution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "criminal prosecution" is correct and can be used in written English.
It refers to the process of carrying out legal proceedings against someone who is accused of committing a crime. Example: The district attorney announced that the evidence was strong enough to proceed with criminal prosecution against the suspect in the robbery case.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In egregious cases, criminal prosecution may follow.

The New York Times

Such investigations often result in criminal prosecution.

The New York Times

Criminal prosecution should be pursued, he said.

The New York Times

Still, obstacles remain for a criminal prosecution.

The New York Times

Set aside the question of criminal prosecution.

The New Yorker

"Moreover the threat of criminal prosecution..

The Washington Post

"It was not a criminal prosecution.

The Guardian

The case is not a criminal prosecution.

The New York Times

After that, offenders could face criminal prosecution.

The New York Times

Economic retaliation and criminal prosecution are also possibilities.

The New York Times

The deal does not shield Barclays employees from criminal prosecution.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "criminal prosecution" with verbs such as 'face', 'undergo', or 'initiate' to clearly describe the process being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "criminal prosecution" when referring to civil cases or other non-criminal legal proceedings. Always ensure that the context involves alleged criminal activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "criminal prosecution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the formal legal process of accusing and trying someone for a crime. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, indicating its role in legal and journalistic contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "criminal prosecution" is a frequently used noun phrase referring to the legal process of charging and trying someone for a crime. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and validity. Its primary function is to inform and describe legal actions, maintaining a neutral to formal tone suitable for news, legal, and academic contexts. Related phrases include "legal proceedings" and "bringing charges", though these may lack the specificity of the original phrase. When writing, ensure the context involves criminal activity to avoid misusing the term. The prevalence of "criminal prosecution" in authoritative sources like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Guardian underscores its widespread and accepted usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prosecution under criminal law

This alternative specifies the type of law under which the prosecution occurs.

criminal litigation

Replaces "prosecution" with a synonym. Emphasizes the litigious aspect of the process.

crimina charges

This alternative is shorter but still maintains the idea of legal action.

institution of criminal proceedings

This alternative emphasizes the initiation of the legal process.

bringing charges

This phrase focuses on the act of formally accusing someone of a crime.

penal action

This alternative emphasizes the punitive aspect of the legal process.

prosecutorial process

This describes the system and procedures of criminal prosecution.

legal proceedings

This is a more general term that encompasses criminal prosecution but isn't specific to it.

law enforcement action

This phrase describes the actions of authorities in enforcing the law, which can include prosecution.

court case

This is a general term referring to legal matter brought before a court.

FAQs

How is "criminal prosecution" different from a civil lawsuit?

"Criminal prosecution" involves the state bringing charges against an individual for violating criminal law, whereas a civil lawsuit involves a private party seeking damages from another party. The burden of proof and potential penalties differ significantly.

When might someone face "criminal prosecution"?

An individual might face "criminal prosecution" after being accused of committing a crime, and if there's sufficient evidence to warrant a trial. This could range from minor offenses to serious felonies.

What are some alternatives to "criminal prosecution"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "legal proceedings" or "bringing charges", though these terms are broader and may not always be interchangeable.

What role does evidence play in "criminal prosecution"?

Evidence is crucial in "criminal prosecution". Prosecutors must present sufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the accused committed the crime. Without strong evidence, a case is unlikely to succeed.