“The state sued him for murder.”
Usage Entry 1400 / 1605 60-second read
Sue vs. Prosecute
Bringing a civil claim versus pursuing a criminal charge.
The comparisoni
“The state prosecuted him for murder — states prosecute (criminal). Individuals sue (civil).”
The ruleii
¶
SUE = civil. PROSECUTE = criminal.
SUE means to bring a civil action — between private parties, seeking damages or remedy. PROSECUTE means to pursue criminal charges — by the state, seeking conviction and punishment. The same act (assault) can lead to both: the state prosecutes; the victim sues.
Memory aidiii
Remember it like this
Civil = sue. Criminal = prosecute.