Persecution vs Prosecution
Persecution and prosecution may look similar and cause confusion, but their meanings are quite different. Although some people can easily distinguish between the terms ‘Persecution’ and ‘Prosecution,’ many still confuse their usage, perhaps due to their similarity in sound. This mistake can be corrected by understanding the definitions of both terms. While the term ‘Prosecution’ has multiple meanings, such as the act of participating or pursuing something to completion, this article will focus on the legal meaning of Prosecution. To start, think of Persecution as the ill-treatment of someone and Prosecution as a legal procedure.
What does Persecution mean?
‘Persecution’ refers to the infliction of suffering or harm upon a person due to their religion, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, political opinion, or social status. It is an intense form of abuse involving acts that amount to harassment, cruel or inhumane treatment, or torment. Persecution refers to the act of persecuting or the state of being persecuted. The act of persecuting refers to a mission or organized plan to segregate and harass a person or group of people based on one or more of the reasons mentioned above. The group of people subjected to such harassment and experiencing the same constitutes the state of being persecuted. Persecution derives from the word persecute, which translated from its Latin origin means to ‘follow with hostility.’ Think of Persecution as oppression caused to a person or group of people. Examples of this include the Jewish Holocaust, where the primary goal of the Nazi regime was the persecution and eradication of the Jewish race, and the intense harassment and torment caused to minority groups in Rwanda and Somalia.
What does Prosecution mean?
In law, Prosecution refers to a legal procedure. It is defined as the institution and continuance of a criminal action that involves the process of pursuing formal charges against the defendant to final judgment. In simple terms, Prosecution refers to the conducting of a lawsuit or court action. The term ‘Prosecution’ is often associated with criminal cases where the government or state will file charges against a person accused of committing a crime. The legal team representing the government is generally referred to as the Prosecution. Their ultimate objective is to secure a conviction by proving beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of the crime. However, the term ‘Prosecution’ can also refer to a judicial proceeding brought by one party against another, where the party initiating the action will prosecute the other for a particular wrong committed or violation of a right. For example, a company may conduct a prosecution against another by initiating legal action to obtain damages. The act or process of prosecuting typically involves the presentation of facts and evidence pertaining to the case and the final decision. It is best to remember the term ‘Prosecution’ as the process by which legal action against a person is commenced and a conviction is sought. Also, keep in mind that it refers to the party initiating legal action against another.
Key Takeaways
- Persecution refers to the act of inflicting harm or causing oppression or harassment to a person or group of people based on race, religion, or gender. It is illegal and constitutes a violation of human rights.
- Prosecution refers to a legal procedure, which involves the institution and continuance of a legal proceeding by one party against another, with the aim of pursuing a trial and thereafter obtaining a conviction against that person. It also refers to the party commencing legal action against another.
- While persecution is an act of ill-treatment based on various factors, prosecution is a legal procedure to address that ill-treatment and seek justice.
