prosecuting attorney

noun

(sometimes initial capital letters)

1. the public officer in a county, district, or other jurisdiction charged with carrying on the prosecution in criminal proceedings.

prosecuting attorney

noun

1. law (in some states) an officer in a judicial district appointed to conduct criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state and people

Word History and Origins

Origin of prosecuting attorney¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Example Sentences

A prosecuting attorney representing Florida indicated he had been told that Nevada was willing to consider dismissing the warrants if Morris’ debts were paid in full.

From Los Angeles Times

The prosecuting attorney also indicated that although Nevada is looking to extradite Morris, it is also willing to consider dismissing the charges if Morris’ debts are paid in full.

From Los Angeles Times

His 1913 trial led to his conviction despite shoddy evidence and the manipulations of an ambitious prosecuting attorney, who shamelessly preyed on the prejudices of the jury.

From Los Angeles Times

The St. Louis County prosecuting attorney sought to reduce his sentence to life without parole but was ultimately unsuccessful.

From Salon

Since January, St. Louis prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell had sought to block Williams’ execution, stating that prosecutors had earlier made “constitutional errors” that contributed to Williams’ murder conviction.

From Salon

Related Words

• government 
• prosecutor