crown prosecutor: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Official / Legal
Quick answer
What does “crown prosecutor” mean?
In the UK, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries: a state-appointed lawyer who conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the government or the Crown, representing the public interest.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In the UK, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries: a state-appointed lawyer who conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the government or the Crown, representing the public interest.
A public official responsible for reviewing police evidence, deciding whether to charge a suspect, and presenting the case against the accused in court. In systems based on English common law, the Crown prosecutor acts as the legal representative of the state (the 'Crown'), rather than as a lawyer for the police or the victim.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'crown prosecutor' is standard in the UK and Commonwealth jurisdictions (Canada, Australia, etc.). In the United States, the equivalent official is typically called a 'district attorney', 'state's attorney', 'prosecuting attorney', or (at the federal level) an 'assistant United States attorney'. The U.S. does not use 'crown' terminology.
Connotations
In the UK/Commonwealth context, it emphasizes service to the state and the public interest, derived from the monarch as head of state. In the US, the equivalent terms often carry more overt political connotations, as many prosecutors are elected officials.
Frequency
Common in UK/Commonwealth legal news, official documents, and court reporting. Virtually never used in the US except in historical or comparative legal discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “crown prosecutor” in a Sentence
The Crown Prosecutor [presented/argued/submitted] the evidence.The Crown Prosecutor [advised/decided] against prosecution.The Crown Prosecutor [for the Crown] told the jury...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “crown prosecutor” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The CPS decided to crown prosecute the case. (Note: 'prosecute' is the verb; 'crown prosecute' is not standard verb usage. The correct phrasing is 'to prosecute a case on behalf of the Crown').
American English
- Not applicable; term not used in the US.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable.
American English
- Not applicable.
adjective
British English
- The crown-prosecutor role is demanding. (Hyphenated attributive use is rare).
American English
- Not applicable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; relevant only in white-collar crime reporting.
Academic
Common in law, criminology, and political science texts discussing Commonwealth legal systems.
Everyday
Used in news reports about crime and court cases. Not part of casual conversation.
Technical
Core term in legal documents, court transcripts, and official communications of prosecution services.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “crown prosecutor”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “crown prosecutor”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “crown prosecutor”
- Using 'crown prosecutor' when referring to a US attorney. Confusing the role with a judge or a police officer. Capitalizing incorrectly when not part of an official title (e.g., 'a crown prosecutor' vs. 'Crown Prosecutor Jane Smith').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They perform similar functions but in different legal systems. A crown prosecutor works in UK/Commonwealth systems, while a district attorney is an elected official in the US. Both lead state prosecutions.
Yes. A core duty is to continuously assess the evidence against a legal test (e.g., 'evidential sufficiency' and 'public interest') and can discontinue a prosecution if it no longer meets that test.
They represent the state or the Crown (the community/the public), not the police, the victim, or any individual. Their duty is to present the case fairly and impartially.
A crown prosecutor is a specific role. In England and Wales, many crown prosecutors are solicitors who can advocate in lower courts. A barrister is a type of trial lawyer; a crown prosecutor may instruct a barrister to present a complex case in a higher court.
In the UK, Canada, and other Commonwealth countries: a state-appointed lawyer who conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the government or the Crown, representing the public interest.
Crown prosecutor is usually formal / official / legal in register.
Crown prosecutor: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkraʊn ˈprɒsɪkjuːtə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkraʊn ˈprɑːsɪkjuːtər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Wear the Crown's hat (to act in the role of a crown prosecutor, idiomatic/metaphorical).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the 'Crown' on a king or queen. A Crown Prosecutor works for the 'Crown' (the state) to prosecute crimes against society.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS THE CROWN / LAW ENFORCEMENT IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF AUTHORITY.
Practice
Quiz
In which country would you most likely hear the term 'crown prosecutor' used in a legal context?