Prosecute vs. Sue: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on September 9, 2023
To prosecute is to bring legal action against someone for a crime, while to sue is to bring civil action seeking damages or specific performance.
Difference Between Prosecute and Sue
To prosecute is to take legal action against someone in a criminal court, usually by the state or government. This action is to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused regarding a specific crime. The primary goal of prosecution is to uphold the law, protect society, and ensure justice. Prosecutors usually represent the public and not a specific individual.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
To sue, on the other hand, involves civil litigation where one party seeks to obtain damages, specific performance, or other remedies from another party. It doesn't determine criminal guilt but rather liability. Often, the motivation behind suing is to achieve compensation or redress for a perceived wrong. In these cases, lawyers represent specific individuals or entities, and not the public or state.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 09, 2023
Prosecution cases arise from violations of criminal law. If someone is prosecuted and found guilty, they might face imprisonment, fines, or other penalties set by criminal statutes. The evidence in a prosecution must often meet a higher standard, which is "beyond a reasonable doubt."
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Conversely, to sue someone is based on civil law violations or disputes. The result of a successful lawsuit might be monetary compensation or an order to do or stop doing something. The standard of evidence in civil cases, where parties sue each other, is typically "a preponderance of evidence."
Levi
Sep 09, 2023
While both prosecute and sue involve legal proceedings, they operate in different arenas of the legal system and serve distinct purposes. To prosecute relates to criminal proceedings, while to sue concerns civil disputes.
William
Sep 09, 2023
Prosecute vs. Sue Comparison Chart
Prosecute vs. Sue Definitions
◉Prosecute
To seek enforcement or restitution in (a legal action).
The plaintiff decided to prosecute his claim in court.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
◉Sue
To make a petition or entreaty for something.
The villagers would sue for peace after a long conflict.
Nolan
Sep 09, 2023
◉Prosecute
To initiate or conduct a criminal case against
prosecute a defendant for murder.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sue
To file a legal action against someone in order to claim something due or owed.
The bank might sue for the unpaid debts.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 09, 2023
◉Prosecute
To initiate or conduct (a civil case or legal action)
prosecute a lawsuit for libel.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sue
To make an appeal or plea.
He would often sue for understanding from his peers.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
◉Prosecute
To initiate or conduct legal proceedings regarding (an offense, for example)
prosecute drug possession.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sue
To initiate a civil lawsuit against another party.
John decided to sue the company for wrongful termination.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
◉Prosecute
To pursue (an undertaking, for example) until completion; continue to the very end
prosecute a war.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sue
To seek justice or redress by legal means.
After the accident, she decided to sue for damages.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 09, 2023
◉Prosecute
To carry on, engage in, or practice (an occupation or business).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sue
(Law) To initiate or pursue legal proceedings against (another party).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
To chase or pursue (a vessel)
"He held a dispatch saying that [they] had prosecuted and probably killed an Echo-class missile submarine" (Tom Clancy).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
To start criminal proceedings against.
to prosecute a man for trespass, or for a riot
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May 03, 2023
◉Sue
To make an appeal or entreaty
"When you have gone too far to recede, do not sue to me for leniency" (Charles Dickens).
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
To seek to obtain by legal process.
to prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
(transitive) To pursue something to the end.
to prosecute a scheme, hope, or claim
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sue
(transitive) To file a legal action against someone, generally a non-criminal action.
sue someone for selling a faulty product
I plan to sue you for everything you have.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
To follow or pursue with a view to reach, execute, or accomplish; to endeavor to obtain or complete; to carry on; to continue; as, to prosecute a scheme, hope, or claim.
I am beloved Hermia;Why should not I, then, prosecute my right ?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sue
(ambitransitive) To seek by request; to make application; to petition; to entreat; to plead.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
To seek to obtain by legal process; as, to prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
To pursue with the intention of punishing; to accuse of some crime or breach of law, or to pursue for redress or punishment, before a legal tribunal; to proceed against judicially; as, to prosecute a man for trespass, or for a riot.
To acquit themselves and prosecute their foes.
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May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
To institute and carry on a legal prosecution; as, to prosecute for public offenses.
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May 03, 2023
◉Sue
To follow up; to chase; to seek after; to endeavor to win; to woo.
For yet there was no man that haddle him sued.
I was beloved of many a gentle knight,And sued and sought with all the service due.
Sue me, and woo me, and flatter me.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
bring a criminal action against (in a trial);
The State of California prosecuted O.J. Simpson
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Sue
To seek justice or right from, by legal process; to institute process in law against; to bring an action against; to prosecute judicially.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in;
She pursued many activities
They engaged in a discussion
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
To initiate and conduct a criminal case against someone.
The state decided to prosecute him for theft.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
◉Prosecute
To pursue an activity or purpose diligently.
She continued to prosecute her studies despite challenges.
Levi
Sep 09, 2023
◉Sue
To seek by request; to make application; to petition; to entreat; to plead.
By adverse destiny constrained to sueFor counsel and redress, he sues to you.
Cæsar came to Rome to sue for the double honor of a triumph and the consulship.
The Indians were defeated and sued for peace.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
To bring a legal action against someone for redress or punishment.
The organization decided to prosecute those involved in fraud.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
◉Sue
To prosecute; to make legal claim; to seek (for something) in law; as, to sue for damages.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Prosecute
To enforce or put into effect.
The committee will prosecute any violations of the rules.
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Sep 09, 2023
◉Sue
French writer whose novels described the sordid side of city life (1804-1857)
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May 03, 2023
◉Sue
institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against;
He was warned that the district attorney would process him
She actioned the company for discrimination
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
Prosecute vs. Sue Frequently Asked Questions
What's the primary goal of suing someone?
The primary goal of suing someone is to achieve compensation or redress for a perceived wrong in a civil court.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 09, 2023
Who typically initiates a prosecution?
Prosecutions are typically initiated by the state or government.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Who can sue someone in a civil court?
Any individual, organization, or entity can sue another party in a civil court for perceived wrongs.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 09, 2023
Is imprisonment a potential outcome of being sued?
No, imprisonment is not a result of civil lawsuits. However, it is a possible outcome in criminal prosecutions.
Olivia
Sep 09, 2023
What kind of evidence is required in prosecution cases?
Prosecution cases require evidence that proves guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt."
William
Sep 09, 2023
In a lawsuit, what's the typical standard of evidence?
In civil lawsuits, the standard of evidence is typically "a preponderance of evidence."
Elijah
Sep 09, 2023
Can an individual prosecute another individual?
Typically, individuals don't prosecute others; the state or government does. However, individuals can sue others in civil court.
Kaitlyn
Sep 09, 2023
What does it mean to prosecute someone?
To prosecute someone means to bring legal action against them in a criminal court, usually by the state or government.
Muazma Batool
Sep 09, 2023
Is a prosecutor the same as a lawyer in a civil case?
No, a prosecutor specifically handles criminal cases for the state, while lawyers in civil cases represent individual parties.
Levi
Sep 09, 2023
What might be an outcome of a successful lawsuit?
An outcome might be monetary compensation, an order to do or stop doing something, or other remedies determined by the court.
Lucas
Sep 09, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
