risk of prosecution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "risk of prosecution" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal contexts to refer to the possibility of being charged with a crime or facing legal action. Example: "Individuals should be aware of the risk of prosecution when engaging in illegal activities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Doctors and solicitors who helped someone die would be "at real risk of prosecution".

The Guardian

One thing that has worried people is the risk of prosecution should they help a migrant.

The Guardian

The only option was a "less dignified" death which might put others at risk of prosecution.

The Guardian

Users – or those considering use – can have their purchases analysed free from any risk of prosecution.

The Guardian - Opinion

She was also concerned about the risk of prosecution to herself.

The Guardian

This has put American agents at risk of prosecution for war crimes.

The Economist

As access to cannabis in the UK is illegal, all these people are at risk of prosecution.

The Guardian - Opinion

We'd be breaking the law and put ourselves at risk of prosecution if anyone became ill as a result.

The Guardian - Opinion

It puts 138 politicians, the vast majority of them from two opposition parties, at risk of prosecution.

The Guardian

The risk of prosecution that made Bradley wary of ransoms posed an obstacle to other potential donors as well.

The New Yorker

They said doctors and solicitors who encouraged or assisted another person to commit suicide were "at real risk of prosecution".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing legal matters, use "risk of prosecution" to clearly convey the potential for someone to face criminal charges. Be precise about who is at risk and the specific actions that could lead to prosecution.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly specifies the actions or situations that increase the "risk of prosecution". Vague statements can lead to misinterpretations about who is at risk and why.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "risk of prosecution" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence or clause. It denotes the potential or possibility of facing legal charges for an action or inaction, as seen in Ludwig AI examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "risk of prosecution" is a frequently used and grammatically correct expression denoting the potential for facing legal charges. According to Ludwig AI analysis, this phrase commonly appears in News & Media contexts, and its primary function is to warn about potential legal consequences. While alternatives like "danger of prosecution" or "threat of prosecution" exist, "risk of prosecution" offers a neutral and widely understood way to convey this concept. To ensure clarity, specify the actions or situations leading to said risk. Ludwig examples underscore the phrase's pervasive use across reputable sources such as The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

danger of prosecution

Replaces "risk" with "danger", emphasizing the potential severity of the legal consequences.

threat of prosecution

Substitutes "risk" with "threat", highlighting the active possibility of legal action being taken.

peril of being prosecuted

Uses "peril" to underscore the danger associated with facing legal charges.

chance of legal action

Replaces "prosecution" with the broader term "legal action", covering a wider range of potential legal consequences.

likelihood of facing charges

Highlights the probability of being formally accused of a crime.

possibility of being charged

Focuses on the specific action of being charged with a crime, making the phrase more explicit.

potential for indictment

Replaces "prosecution" with "indictment", focusing on the formal accusation stage of legal proceedings.

liability to be sued

Shifts the focus to civil rather than criminal legal action, implying a risk of financial penalties.

exposure to legal penalties

Highlights the vulnerability to consequences imposed by law.

vulnerability to litigation

Emphasizes susceptibility to involvement in a lawsuit or legal dispute.

FAQs

How is "risk of prosecution" used in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, "risk of prosecution" refers to the possibility or likelihood of facing criminal charges for specific actions or omissions. It's often used to warn individuals or organizations about potential legal consequences.

What are some alternatives to "risk of prosecution"?

Alternatives include "danger of prosecution", "threat of prosecution", or "chance of legal action", depending on the desired emphasis and level of formality.

Is there a difference between "risk of prosecution" and "threat of prosecution"?

"Risk of prosecution" generally refers to the possibility of facing charges, while "threat of prosecution" suggests a more imminent or deliberate intent to pursue legal action.

What factors might increase the "risk of prosecution"?

Factors increasing the "risk of prosecution" can include violating specific laws, engaging in illegal activities, failing to comply with regulations, or having evidence presented against you that supports criminal charges.