liable for prosecution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "liable for prosecution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to indicate that someone can be charged with a crime or held accountable for illegal actions. Example: "If the evidence is sufficient, the suspect may be liable for prosecution under the law."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Politicians who chase civilians out of their homes will be liable for prosecution by their domestic courts.

The Economist

This makes directors liable for prosecution if their company breaches Ripa as a result of their consent, connivance or neglect.

The Guardian

Doctors found to have assisted with a termination would also be liable for prosecution and a prison term.

The Guardian

Officials in Zimbabwe have said that luring Cecil out of the national park made both the hunter and land-owner liable for prosecution.

Independent

In Northern Ireland, any woman or girl who has an abortion deemed unlawful is liable for prosecution and could face a sentence of up to life imprisonment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Makers of liqueur chocolates will be liable for prosecution unless their products contain "significant" amount of liqueur: the present average is.09percentnt.09percent

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

If that is true, she failed dramatically in her role as manager; if that is false, she and others are liable for criminal prosecution.

The New York Times

The goal, they said, will be to determine whether "employees of Skyguide made mistakes, which might be liable for criminal prosecution," German prosecutors near the crash site announced similar plans today.

The New York Times

No recipient of such a letter should be in any doubt that if evidence emerges in the future in connection with terrorist offences committed before the Belfast Agreement they will be liable for arrest and prosecution".

The Guardian

What is more, she told them, by making her sign it, the university lawyers would be liable to prosecution for suborning perjury.

The Guardian

The unanimous decision sets clear limits on the legal rights of the unborn child and dispels fears that women could become liable to prosecution for their lifestyles during pregnancy.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "liable for prosecution", ensure that the context clearly establishes the specific law or regulation that has been violated. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the legal validity of the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "liable for prosecution" as a synonym for "guilty". Liability for prosecution indicates that someone can be charged and tried, but it does not confirm guilt, which must be proven in court.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "liable for prosecution" functions as a descriptor indicating that an individual or entity meets the criteria for being subjected to legal proceedings. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard expression used to denote potential legal accountability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "liable for prosecution" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that an individual or entity could face legal charges. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is correct and usable. Its usage spans various contexts, most frequently appearing in news and media, science, and wiki sources. While the phrase is generally neutral, it often carries a formal tone due to its association with legal matters. To ensure clarity, it's important to use the phrase accurately, distinguishing liability (the potential to be charged) from guilt (the state of being proven guilty).

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

under threat of prosecution

Emphasizes the imminent danger of facing legal charges.

at risk of being prosecuted

Emphasizes the risk aspect of facing prosecution.

potentially indictable

Specifies the possibility of being formally charged with a crime.

vulnerable to prosecution

Highlights the defenseless position concerning potential legal charges.

facing potential charges

Directly refers to the possibility of criminal charges.

subject to legal action

Replaces "liable for prosecution" with a broader term indicating potential legal consequences.

open to legal proceedings

Focuses on the availability of legal avenues against someone.

accountable to the law

Stresses the obligation to obey the law and face consequences.

answerable in court

Highlights the necessity to respond to charges in a court of law.

legally responsible

Indicates a general legal obligation that could lead to prosecution.

FAQs

What does "liable for prosecution" mean?

It means someone could be charged with a crime and taken to court. Being liable doesn't mean they are guilty, only that there's a basis for legal action.

Are there alternatives to "liable for prosecution"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "subject to legal action", "at risk of being prosecuted", or "facing potential charges", depending on the context.

How do I use "liable for prosecution" in a sentence?

Example: "If the company violates environmental regulations, its executives may be liable for prosecution."

What's the difference between "liable for prosecution" and "guilty"?

"Liable for prosecution" means someone could be prosecuted, while "guilty" means they have been proven to have committed a crime. Liability is a prerequisite to prosecution, guilt is the result of a successful prosecution.