open to prosecution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "open to prosecution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to indicate that someone is subject to being charged with a crime or offense. Example: "If the evidence is found to be valid, the suspect will be open to prosecution for their actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The agreement announced on Tuesday between Bishop Finn and the prosecuting attorney of neighboring Clay County, Daniel White, leaves the bishop open to prosecution for misdemeanor charges for five years, if he does not continue to meet with the prosecutor and report all episodes.

The New York Times

I would have been open to prosecution.

The Guardian

Surely Hunt and David Cameron have left themselves wide open to prosecution?

The Guardian

Since the law applies outside America, this means that contacts with proscribed organisations could leave mediators open to prosecution.

The Economist

Disobeying a court order in the UK may leave someone open to prosecution for contempt of court.

The Guardian

Yahoo, in contrast, left itself and others, including a Chinese journalist, open to prosecution because it kept servers in China, she said.

The New York Times - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Associates say Mr. Holder is open to prosecutions based on specific accusations but is less eager to use the criminal law to commence wide-ranging inquiries.

The New York Times

Rather, its considered ruling was quite limited in scope, opening to prosecution scrutiny only the portion of the report that related to the testimony the investigator would offer to discredit the witnesses' identification testimony.

Cornell University

Mora warned that these precepts could leave U.S. personnel open to criminal prosecution.

The New Yorker

SESSIONS OPEN TO PUBLIC Prosecution Is Expected First to Take Up Colonel's Statements Made at San Antonio.

The New York Times

The fund said today that Ractliffe, 74, apologised for endangering its reputation and leaving himself open to criminal prosecution.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the gravity and sensitivity of legal contexts when using "open to prosecution". Ensure the tone and language used appropriately reflect this seriousness.

Common error

Avoid using "open to prosecution" when there is no real possibility of legal charges. The phrase implies a genuine risk, so misusing it can create unnecessary alarm or misrepresent the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "open to prosecution" functions as a predicate adjective, describing a state of vulnerability or susceptibility to legal charges. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "open to prosecution" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of vulnerability to legal charges. As shown by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently in news reports, academic discussions, and legal contexts. While often neutral in tone, the phrase carries a serious implication, warning that specific actions or circumstances could lead to legal consequences. Alternatives such as "liable to be prosecuted" or "at risk of being charged" can be used to convey similar meanings, but "open to prosecution" effectively highlights the potential for legal action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

liable to be prosecuted

Replaces "open" with "liable", emphasizing a higher degree of probability.

subject to legal action

Replaces "prosecution" with a broader term, "legal action", indicating any type of legal proceeding, not just criminal prosecution.

at risk of being charged

Focuses on the risk aspect and uses "charged" instead of "prosecuted".

vulnerable to prosecution

Highlights the vulnerability or defenselessness of the individual or entity.

exposed to legal proceedings

Uses a broader term, "legal proceedings", to encompass various legal actions.

facing potential charges

Emphasizes the potential for charges to be filed.

under threat of prosecution

Highlights the threatening aspect of being prosecuted.

susceptible to indictment

Uses a more specific legal term, "indictment", which is a formal accusation by a grand jury.

answerable to the law

Shifts the focus to accountability under the law, rather than the process of prosecution itself.

held accountable in court

Focuses on the court setting and the idea of being held responsible.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "open to prosecution"?

To be "open to prosecution" means that someone's actions or circumstances make them vulnerable to being charged with a crime and potentially taken to court.

What are some alternatives to "open to prosecution"?

Alternatives include "liable to be prosecuted", "at risk of being charged", or "subject to legal action". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

How is "open to prosecution" different from "facing prosecution"?

"Open to prosecution" suggests a vulnerability or risk, while "facing prosecution" implies that legal proceedings have already begun.

Can a company or organization be "open to prosecution"?

Yes, legal entities like companies and organizations can be "open to prosecution" if their actions violate the law. For instance, a company might be open to prosecution for environmental damage or fraud.