### Question
How is the "prosecution" defined?


### Answer
The term **prosecution** is defined in *34 U.S.C. § 12291* as follows -

> any public agency charged with direct responsibility for prosecuting criminal offenders, including such agency's component bureaus (such as governmental victim assistance programs)

#### Citation:
  - *34 U.S.C. § 12291*
  - Heading: **Subtitle I-Comprehensive Acts > CHAPTER 121-VIOLENT CRIME CONTROL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT > SUBCHAPTER III-VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN**

