prosecution

prosecution
pros‧e‧cu‧tion W3 /ˌprɒsɪˈkjuːʃən $ ˌprɑː-/ noun
1. [uncountable and countable] when a charge is made against someone for a crime, or when someone is judged for a crime in a court of law:
    a criminal prosecution
    prosecution for
    Walters could face prosecution for his role in the robbery.
    prosecution of
    the prosecution of war criminals
    The evidence is not sufficient to bring a prosecution against him.
2. the prosecution the lawyers who try to prove in a court of law that someone is guilty of a crime ⇨ defence:
    the chief witness for the prosecution
3. [uncountable] formal when you do something that is your job:
    the prosecution of her duties
     

COLLOCATIONS

■ adjectives
   ▪ (a) criminal prosecution Failure to hand over the documents could result in criminal prosecution.
   ▪ a private prosecution The victim's widow is considering a private prosecution.
   ▪ successful We do not yet have enough evidence for a successful prosecution.
■ verbs
   ▪ bring a prosecution against somebody (=prosecute them) The police did not bring a prosecution against him.
   ▪ face prosecution The owners of a golf course are facing prosecution for blocking footpaths.
   ▪ escape/avoid prosecution He was lucky to escape prosecution.
■ phrases
   ▪ be liable to/for prosecution formal (=may be prosecuted) Businesses which do not meet the standards required are liable for prosecution.
   ▪ immunity from prosecution formal (=the state of being protected from prosecution) He gave information to the police in return for immunity from prosecution.