prosecutorial

American  

[pros-i-kyoo-tawr-ee-uhl, -tohr-] / ˌprɒs ɪ kyʊˈtɔr i əl, -ˈtoʊr- /

adjective

1. of or relating to a prosecutor or prosecution.

   prosecutorial zeal.

---

Etymology

Origin of prosecutorial

First recorded in 1970–75; prosecutor + -ial

Example Sentences

"The United States has determined in its prosecutorial discretion that dismissal of this criminal case is in the interests of justice," the US Attorney's Ofice in Washington, DC, said in a filing on Tuesday.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

This prosecutor’s relationship with a potential witness and victim raises questions about prosecutorial decision-making in the case, Robinson’s legal team said in a motion filed in state court to disqualify the Utah County Attorney’s Office.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 16, 2026

“We thank the jurors for their service as an essential backstop against prosecutorial overreach in our constitutional system,” they said in a statement to The Times.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2025

While the future of Halligan’s prosecutorial career remains up in the air, as of this writing, she remains listed as the top prosecutor for the Eastern District on the DOJ’s website.

From Slate • Dec. 4, 2025

The most comprehensive studies of racial bias in the exercise of prosecutorial and judicial discretion involve the treatment of juveniles.

From "The New Jim Crow" by Michelle Alexander