Pronunciation: [pɹˈɛs t͡ʃˈɑːd͡ʒ] (IPA) 
The phrase "press charge" is commonly used in legal contexts to denote the act of accusing someone of a crime. In terms of spelling, the word "press" is pronounced /prɛs/, with the "e" sounding like the "e" in "red". The word "charge" is pronounced /tʃɑrdʒ/, with the "ch" sound like the "ch" in "chin" and the "a" sounding like the "a" in "father". When combined, the phrase is pronounced /prɛs tʃɑrdʒ/.
"Press charges" is a legal term that refers to the act of formally accusing someone of committing a crime or wrongdoing, usually by filing a complaint or bringing evidence against them to law enforcement or the judicial system. It is often used when a victim or witness wants to initiate legal proceedings against the alleged offender.
When individuals "press charges," they are essentially requesting that the legal system take action against the accused party by conducting an investigation and potentially bringing them to trial. By lodging a formal complaint and presenting evidence, the person who presses charges is seeking justice for the harm caused or actions committed against them.
However, it is important to note that the decision to "press charges" rests with the victim or another aggrieved party, and not with law enforcement or prosecutors. Authorities typically have the discretion to pursue a case or not based on the evidence provided. In some situations, even if charges are pressed, the authorities may choose not to proceed if they determine that the evidence is insufficient or if they do not believe a crime has been committed.
The act of pressing charges is a crucial step in the legal process, as it initiates the involvement of the justice system and sets the wheels in motion for further investigations, potential arrests, and subsequent court proceedings, eventually leading to a resolution in accordance with the law.
The expression "press charges" originated from the legal terminology associated with the act of formally charging someone with a criminal offense. The word "press" in this context goes back to the late Middle English period (around the 15th century) and is derived from the Old French word "presser", meaning to exert pressure or press upon.
In legal terms, "pressing charges" originally referred to the act of putting pressure on a person or entity to bring forth a criminal accusation. It involved the alleged victim actively seeking action from the authorities by formally lodging a complaint or accusation against the offender. Over time, this phrase evolved into "press charges", where "press" implies the act of demanding or pursuing legal action against someone.
