prosecutor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prosecutor" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a legal representative who brings charges against an individual in a court of law. Example: "The prosecutor presented compelling evidence to support the case against the defendant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gray was chased and subjected to an arrest declared unlawful by the city's top prosecutor.

The Guardian

Under election law, which began to operate after David Cameron dissolved parliament at the end of March, these are charges that have to be considered by the nation's most senior prosecutor.

The Guardian

They were later questioned by Rome's anti-terrorist prosecutor, who has opened an investigation into their abduction.

The Guardian

A statement from the office of the prosecutor general, Hisham Barakat, accuses the journalists of setting up a media network with the aim of "tarnishing Egypt's image abroad and harming Egypt's image abroad and harming its political position".

The Guardian

Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for CPS London, said: "We have carefully considered the evidence gathered by the Metropolitan police service as part of Operation Yewtree in relation to Rolf Harris, who was initially arrested on 29 November 2012 over allegations of sexual offences.

The Guardian

"Which group's interests do we defend?" asked Kalyapin, knowing that the prosecutor was unable to formally recognise victims of state torture as a social group.

The Guardian

In spreading such information, the prosecutor argued it was attempting to "attract attention and create negative public sentiment".

The Guardian

Speaking in 2009, Yablokov, a former Russian prosecutor, said the legal case would have been unthinkable in the past, but had become depressingly possible in light of recent Kremlin moves to rehabilitate Stalin and to portray him as an efficient leader.

The Guardian

She said the prosecutor had been hugely disappointed by Masipa's verdict".He did his utmost best.He's devastated now, Gerrie Nel, but I can only say that he pulled his guts out for Reeva.He always spoke of her and he was doing his best.He did the best job anybody could do".

The Guardian

Mosby has said repeatedly she has no intention of handing the case to a special prosecutor or of revealing any evidence before trial.

The Guardian

"He had a dragon's passion for minors," the prosecutor told the court.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing between "prosecutor" and more specific titles like "district attorney" or "crown prosecutor" to maintain accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "lawyer" as a direct substitute for "prosecutor". While a "prosecutor" is a lawyer, the term "prosecutor" specifically denotes their role in initiating and pursuing criminal charges on behalf of the state or government.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "prosecutor" is as a noun, referring to a legal official who conducts criminal proceedings on behalf of the state. Ludwig's examples showcase its role in various legal contexts, confirming its standard use as a noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "prosecutor" is a commonly used noun that refers to a legal official responsible for conducting criminal proceedings on behalf of the state. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability, primarily within the News & Media domain. While synonyms such as "prosecuting attorney" or "district attorney" exist, they often carry specific jurisdictional connotations. When using the term, it's important to specify the level or jurisdiction of the "prosecutor" to maintain accuracy and clarity. Overall, the term maintains a neutral tone. Ludwig's analysis suggests it serves as a fundamental term in legal and journalistic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prosecuting attorney

Rephrases "prosecutor" with a slightly more descriptive term, emphasizing their role in prosecuting cases.

District attorney

Specifies a prosecutor who represents a district, often used in the United States.

State attorney

Specifies a prosecutor representing a state, common in US legal contexts.

Crown prosecutor

Denotes a prosecutor working on behalf of the Crown, particularly in Commonwealth countries.

Chief prosecutor

Highlights the leading or senior prosecutor in a particular jurisdiction or case.

Public prosecutor

Emphasizes that the prosecutor is a public official, acting on behalf of the public interest.

Prosecuting counsel

Uses the term "counsel" to refer to the legal representative, slightly more formal.

Legal representative for the state

Describes the role of the prosecutor in terms of their representation of the state.

Government lawyer

General term that can apply to a prosecutor, emphasizing their employment by the government.

The people's advocate

This alternative frames the prosecutor as someone who is advocating for the interests of the public

FAQs

What is the role of a "prosecutor" in a legal case?

A "prosecutor" is a legal representative who initiates and conducts legal proceedings against individuals or entities accused of committing a crime. They present evidence, question witnesses, and argue for conviction on behalf of the government or the people.

What are some synonyms for "prosecutor"?

Synonyms for "prosecutor" include "prosecuting attorney", "district attorney", "state attorney", and "crown prosecutor", depending on the specific context and jurisdiction.

How does a "prosecutor" differ from a defense attorney?

A "prosecutor" represents the government or the people in a criminal case, aiming to prove the defendant's guilt. A defense attorney, on the other hand, represents the defendant, working to protect their rights and argue for their innocence or a lesser sentence.

What is the difference between a "prosecutor general" and a regular "prosecutor"?

A "prosecutor general" is typically the head "prosecutor" in a country or region, overseeing all other prosecutors and responsible for setting prosecutorial policy. A regular "prosecutor" works under the authority of the "prosecutor general" and handles individual cases.