decided not to prosecute

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "decided not to prosecute" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts when referring to a decision made by authorities not to pursue legal action against an individual or entity. Example: "After reviewing the evidence, the district attorney decided not to prosecute the case due to lack of sufficient evidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Although the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to prosecute Mirror Group staff on phone hacking charges, it faces large payouts to hacking victims.

The Guardian

The Crown Prosecution Service decided not to prosecute Husband over alleged abuse at Deerbolt young offenders institution because it would "not be in the public interest".

The Guardian - Opinion

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) decided not to prosecute the officer, in part due to complications surrounding evidence given by a pathologist, Dr Freddy Patel.

The Guardian

Files were forwarded to the Procurator Fiscal, Scotland's prosecution service, but it was decided not to prosecute.

The Guardian

But the Government decided not to prosecute.

The New York Times

The CPS had decided not to prosecute.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The FBI investigated Swartz, but ultimately decided not to prosecute.

The Guardian - Tech

The CPS said it had decided not to prosecute G4S for corporate manslaughter.

The Guardian

Last April, Attorney General Janet Reno decided not to prosecute Mr. Deutch.

The New York Times

It decided not to prosecute anyone in connection to the death of a prisoner.

The New York Times

In April 1999, Attorney General Janet Reno decided not to prosecute Mr. Deutch.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "decided not to prosecute", ensure the context clearly indicates who made the decision and why. Providing the rationale enhances clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "decided not to prosecute" when the case simply lacked sufficient evidence to proceed. "Decided not to prosecute" implies a conscious choice, whereas lack of evidence suggests the prosecution was never a viable option. Instead of "decided not to prosecute", use "failed to prosecute" or "could not prosecute".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "decided not to prosecute" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a deliberate choice made by an authority not to pursue legal charges. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is commonly used and grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in various contexts, primarily legal and journalistic.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "decided not to prosecute" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a legal authority's choice to forgo legal charges. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in news and media, this phrase serves to inform the public about legal decisions, highlighting the reasoning behind them. While alternatives like "chose not to indict" or "opted against prosecution" exist, it's crucial to differentiate this phrase from situations where prosecution was simply impossible due to lack of evidence. Always ensure the context clearly indicates a deliberate decision, not merely an inability to proceed. Usage frequency: Very common.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

chose not to indict

Focuses on the decision of not formally accusing someone of a crime.

opted against prosecution

Highlights the choice made against proceeding with legal action.

declined to press charges

Emphasizes the refusal to officially file charges against someone.

refused to bring to trial

Focuses on the act of not proceeding with a court case.

determined not to pursue legal action

Highlights the determination to avoid any legal proceedings.

dropped the case

Indicates the termination of an ongoing legal case.

shelved the investigation

Implies that the investigation was stopped and put aside.

closed the inquiry

Signals the end of a formal investigation without prosecution.

let off the hook

Informal way of saying someone avoided punishment or prosecution.

gave a pass

Means that the person was forgiven or not punished.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "decided not to prosecute"?

It means that after considering the available information and evidence, the relevant authority, such as a prosecutor or attorney general, made a conscious decision not to pursue legal charges against an individual or entity. This decision could be influenced by various factors, including lack of sufficient evidence, public interest, or other legal considerations.

What are some alternatives to saying "decided not to prosecute"?

You can use alternatives like "chose not to indict", "opted against prosecution", or "declined to press charges" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "decided not to prosecute" in formal writing?

Yes, "decided not to prosecute" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing, particularly in legal, journalistic, and academic contexts. It clearly and directly conveys the decision not to pursue legal charges.

What factors might lead someone to "decide not to prosecute"?

Several factors can influence a decision not to prosecute, including insufficient evidence to secure a conviction, concerns about the public interest, the defendant's willingness to cooperate with authorities, or the availability of alternative resolutions such as diversion programs or civil settlements. Additionally, prosecutorial discretion plays a significant role, allowing prosecutors to weigh the costs and benefits of pursuing a case.