Legal Definitions - investigate

Definition: To systematically inquire into a matter or make a suspect the subject of a criminal inquiry. It can also mean to make an official inquiry.

1. The police investigated the suspect's involvement in the robbery.

2. The company hired a private investigator to investigate the employee's misconduct.

3. The government launched an investigation into the company's financial practices.

These examples illustrate how investigating involves a systematic inquiry into a matter or person. In the first example, the police are investigating a suspect's involvement in a crime. In the second example, a private investigator is hired to investigate an employee's misconduct. In the third example, the government is conducting an investigation into a company's financial practices. In each case, there is a deliberate effort to gather information and evidence to uncover the truth.