procuratore della repubblica
masculine
The English phrase 'prosecutor' in Italian is procuratore della repubblica.
The term Pubblico Ministero is used to refer to a prosecutor who represents the public interest in criminal cases. In formal courtroom settings, one might also refer to a procuratore generale (general prosecutor).
Meaning: prosecuting attorney (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase procuratore della repubblica literally translates to 'prosecutor of the republic'.
Which one should you use?
While procuratore della repubblica refers to a specific high-ranking official/office, pubblico ministero is the general term for the role of a public prosecutor in the Italian legal system.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The most common and formal way to say 'prosecutor' is procuratore. Another formal translation is Pubblico Ministero. In news reports and casual conversation, the abbreviation PM (standing for Pubblico Ministero) is frequently used to refer to a prosecutor.
How does it change in a sentence?
The feminine form of the title is procuratrice della repubblica.
Did you know?
- Italian law requires a pubblico ministero to request the acquittal of a defendant if the evidence during the trial proves the person is innocent.
- In Italian legal dramas and news, you will often hear il PM used as a title, which sounds more like a political office than a legal role to English speakers.
- Unlike in the US, where prosecutors are often elected politicians, an Italian procuratore is a career civil servant appointed through a rigorous national competition.
Examples in context
- Il Pubblico Ministero sta portando avanti l'accusaThe prosecutor is bringing forward the charge
- È un procuratoreHe/she is a prosecutor
- Lavora come procuratoreHe/she works as a prosecutor
- Il procuratore rappresenta l'accusa in tribunaleThe prosecutor represents the accusation in court
- Il Pubblico Ministero ha il compito di tutelare l'interesse pubblicoThe prosecutor has the task of safeguarding the public interest
- Ho sentito che il Pubblico Ministero ha ottenuto una condannaI heard that the prosecutor obtained a conviction
- Il procuratore della repubblica ha chiesto una condanna.The prosecuting attorney requested a conviction.
- Devo parlare con il procuratore della repubblica.I need to speak with the prosecuting attorney.
- Il procuratore della repubblica sta indagando sul caso.The prosecuting attorney is investigating the case.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Sofia are discussing a legal case.
- AlessandroHai letto l'ultima notizia sul caso?Did you read the latest news on the case?
- SofiaSì, il procuratore della repubblica ha parlato.Yes, the prosecutor has spoken.
- AlessandroCosa ha detto esattamente?What exactly did he say?
- SofiaHa confermato che ci sono prove sufficienti.He confirmed that there is sufficient evidence.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “prosecutor” translations and entries procuratore della repubblica, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
