John Hart Jnr
Cancelled
Semantics. I have recently witnessed the exact opposite of that which you have pontificated. The individual has the power to accuse you of anything they like, and when they sign on the dotted line, you will be investigated, possibly arrested and jailed (if you refuse to answer questions without your lawyer being present), even if the accusations are complete fantasy. That equates to the individual having the power to bear the law enforcement powers of the state down on someone else...wouldn't you agree?
No the individual cannot "press charges". The individual can make accusations and the state lays charges, and the state can face compensation claims for false charges. The person making the accusations can face perjury charges.
You also cannot "drop charges" after a payment as you claimed. Only the state can dismiss charges.