Criminal prosecution refers to the process by which a person accused of committing a crime is brought before a court and tried for their alleged offense. This can involve various stages, such as an investigation by law enforcement officials, presentation of evidence in court, testimony from witnesses or experts, and ultimately a decision by a judge or jury on whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. If found guilty, the accused may face penalties such as imprisonment, fines, probation, or other forms of punishment depending on the severity of the crime committed. The goal of criminal prosecution is to uphold justice and protect society by holding individuals accountable for their actions and ensuring that they are punished if they have broken the law.