Prosecute vs. Sue: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
To prosecute is to formally charge someone with a crime in a court of law, while to sue is to bring a civil lawsuit against a person or entity for damages.
Key Differences
This term refers to the legal process where a government attorney charges and tries someone for a criminal offense. It is a formal process in criminal law.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
To sue means to initiate a lawsuit in civil court, typically for compensation or damages, often involving private disputes between individuals or entities.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Prosecution is carried out by public officials (like district attorneys), while anyone can file a lawsuit to sue someone in civil court.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Prosecution aims to punish and prevent crime, ensuring public order, whereas suing typically seeks personal redress or compensation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Prosecution deals with crimes against the state or society, like theft or murder, while suing involves personal claims like breaches of contract or personal injury.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Objective
Punish crime, maintain public order
Seek personal compensation or redress
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Example of Cases
Murder, theft, drug offenses
Personal injury, breach of contract, defamation
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Outcome
Conviction, penalties like jail or fines
Financial compensation, enforcement of rights
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Prosecute and Sue Definitions
Prosecute
The process of seeking a legal conviction in court.
The government's policy was to prosecute all instances of tax fraud.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Sue
To initiate a court case for personal compensation.
The tenant sued the landlord for not addressing the building's safety hazards.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Prosecute
The act of conducting a criminal trial against someone.
The district attorney will prosecute the case vigorously.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Sue
Engaging in litigation to resolve a private dispute.
The artist sued her manager for breach of contract.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Prosecute
To pursue legal action against a person for a criminal act.
They chose to prosecute rather than settle the matter privately.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Sue
To bring a civil action against someone in court.
She decided to sue the company for wrongful termination.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Prosecute
To initiate or conduct a criminal case against
Prosecute a defendant for murder.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sue
Seeking legal remedy through a civil lawsuit.
After the accident, he chose to sue for medical expenses and damages.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Prosecute
To initiate or conduct (a civil case or legal action)
Prosecute a lawsuit for libel.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Prosecute
To initiate or conduct legal proceedings regarding (an offense, for example)
Prosecute drug possession.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Prosecute
To pursue (an undertaking, for example) until completion; continue to the very end
Prosecute a war.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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).
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Prosecute
To start criminal proceedings against.
To prosecute a man for trespass, or for a riot
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sue
(ambitransitive) To seek by request; to make application; to petition; to entreat; to plead.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Prosecute
To seek to obtain by legal process.
To prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Prosecute
(transitive) To pursue something to the end.
To prosecute a scheme, hope, or claim
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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 ?
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Prosecute
To seek to obtain by legal process; as, to prosecute a right or a claim in a court of law.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Prosecute
To institute and carry on a legal prosecution; as, to prosecute for public offenses.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Prosecute
Bring a criminal action against (in a trial);
The State of California prosecuted O.J. Simpson
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Prosecute
Carry out or participate in an activity; be involved in;
She pursued many activities
They engaged in a discussion
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sue
To prosecute; to make legal claim; to seek (for something) in law; as, to sue for damages.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Prosecute
To formally accuse someone of a crime in a court.
The state decided to prosecute the individual for embezzlement.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Prosecute
Engaging in the legal process of criminal justice.
The prosecution of high-profile cases often attracts media attention.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Sue
French writer whose novels described the sordid side of city life (1804-1857)
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 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
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Sue
The act of pursuing civil justice in a legal setting.
Victims of the defective product banded together to sue the manufacturer.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What does it mean to sue?
To initiate a lawsuit in civil court for damages or redress.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Can anyone sue someone?
Yes, any individual or entity can file a civil lawsuit.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
What types of cases are prosecuted?
Criminal cases, such as theft, assault, or drug offenses.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
What does it mean to prosecute?
It means to formally charge and try someone for a criminal offense.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Who can prosecute a case?
Usually a government attorney, like a district attorney.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Are lawsuits always about money?
Often, but they can also seek other remedies like injunctions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
What's the outcome of prosecution?
Potential penalties include jail, probation, or fines.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Can a prosecution case turn into a lawsuit?
Sometimes, especially if there are civil damages involved.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Do you need a lawyer to sue someone?
It's advisable, but individuals can represent themselves in civil court.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
What issues can lead to a lawsuit?
Personal injury, contract disputes, defamation, etc.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
What can be gained from suing?
Financial compensation, restitution, or specific performance.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Who decides the outcome in prosecution?
A judge or jury, based on the evidence presented.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Is prosecution done for personal reasons?
No, it's carried out in the interest of public order and safety.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Who decides the outcome in a lawsuit?
Typically a judge or jury, depending on the case.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Can the government sue someone?
Yes, in civil matters unrelated to criminal prosecution.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Can a lawsuit lead to criminal prosecution?
If a civil case reveals criminal activity, it might.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Can a criminal case also be a civil case?
Yes, some incidents can lead to both criminal and civil actions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Can you settle a lawsuit out of court?
Yes, many civil cases are settled through negotiation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Do you need a lawyer to prosecute?
Prosecution is typically handled by government lawyers.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
What is a plea bargain in prosecution?
An agreement to plead guilty to a lesser charge to avoid trial.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 05, 2023
Share this page
Link for your blog / website
HTML
Link to share via messenger
About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
Shumaila Saeed
Hifza Nasir
Dua Fatima
