prosecute
v.v. to officially charge someone with a crime and put them on trial in a court of law. This is usually done by a lawyer representing the government.
v. to institute legal proceedings against a person or organisation in a court of law. Transitive; typically implies the action is taken by a state authority or public official.
The state decided to prosecute the driver for speeding.
The district attorney announced that they would prosecute the case despite the lack of physical evidence.
While the police may investigate a crime, it is the role of the public prosecutor to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the suspect in a court of law.
Borrowed from Latin prōsecūtus, perfect participle of prōsequor. Doublet of pursue, from Old French. Compare also persecute.
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, usually the person or entity being charged.
The victim prosecuted the thief.The state prosecuted the thief.In many legal systems, individuals do not prosecute; only the government or state authorities have the power to bring criminal charges to court.