Prokuratur

Prokuratur is a term used in several languages to denote the public institution responsible for criminal prosecution and the supervision of legality. It is commonly translated as prosecutor's office or procuracy. The precise mandate and structure vary by country, but the core role is to represent the state in criminal proceedings, initiate and conduct prosecutions, and supervise police investigations to ensure lawful conduct and fair procedure.

In many civil-law systems, the prokuratur operates as an independent or semi‑independent body from the executive. Prosecutors decide whether to press charges, gather and present evidence in court, and may direct or coordinate investigations. In some systems, prosecution is organized under a government ministry, with varying degrees of political oversight.

Organization typically follows a hierarchical model with a head such as a Prosecutor General or Chief Public Prosecutor and local or regional offices. The independence and appointment of prosecutors are defined by national constitutional or statutory provisions; in some places prosecutors enjoy broad legal safeguards to prevent political interference, while in others they are more closely tied to the executive branch.

In practice, the term and institution take different forms. In Russia, for example, the Prokuratura is a state body with broad supervisorial powers over legality across government and law enforcement. Other countries maintain prosecutorial services that focus on criminal prosecutions, victim support, and appellate work.

The prokuratur is a central element of criminal justice systems, balancing enforcement, legality, and public-interest representation in court.