What is the legal term used when a prosecutor decides not to pursue a case any further?

The term "nolle prosequi" is used in the legal context to indicate that a prosecutor has decided to discontinue or not pursue a particular criminal case. This can occur for various reasons, including lack of sufficient evidence, changes in the victim's willingness to cooperate, or the belief that pursuing the case is not in the interest of justice. When a prosecutor files a nolle prosequi, it formally puts an end to the prosecution of the case without a judgment on the merits.

While "dismissal" can also refer to the ending of a case, it typically involves a court ruling that dismisses charges based on legal grounds, rather than a prosecutor’s decision. "Indictment" refers to the formal charge or accusation of a serious crime, and "adjournment" pertains to the temporary suspension of a court proceeding. Thus, "nolle prosequi" is the specific legal term that applies to a prosecutor choosing not to proceed with the prosecution of a case.