prosecuted

Prosecuted is the past participle of prosecute, and in criminal law it refers to the act of bringing and pursuing charges against a person or organization believed to have committed a crime. The responsibility to prosecute typically lies with a government prosecutor—such as a district attorney, state's attorney, crown prosecutor, or an equivalent official—rather than a private accuser. In common usage, a defendant may be described as having been prosecuted by the state.

In most jurisdictions, the process begins with an investigation and a charging decision by the prosecutor. If charges are filed, the accused is informed of the charges and may enter a plea at arraignment. The case may go to trial, during which the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Possible outcomes include conviction and sentencing, acquittal, or dismissal; along the way, plea bargains and pre-trial motions are common. Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty and have rights to counsel, to confront witnesses, and to appeal in many systems.

The term can also be used in civil contexts to describe initiating and pursuing a lawsuit, though in criminal law the focus is on determining guilt or liability and may carry penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions. Prosecution standards, procedures, and remedies vary by jurisdiction and legal tradition, but the core idea remains the same: prosecuting authorities pursue formal charges and seek a judicial determination of guilt or liability.