Staatsanwaltschaft

Staatsanwaltschaft refers to the public prosecutor's office in German-speaking countries. It denotes the state organ responsible for criminal prosecution, directing investigations, and representing the public interest in criminal proceedings. The office acts as the bridge between police investigations and the courts, ensuring that investigations comply with the law and with the rights of suspects and victims. It can decide to initiate or discontinue proceedings, prepare indictments, and lead prosecutions in court, including participation in hearings and in plea negotiations.

In Germany, the public prosecutor's service (Staatsanwaltschaft) is part of the judiciary. It is organized regionally under higher prosecutors and state justice administrations, with local offices across districts (and in some states, Amtsanwaltschaften for minor offenses). Prosecutors supervise police investigations, request warrants, collect or secure evidence, and decide on charges or refer matters to the court. They file indictments with the competent court and participate in trials, appeals, and sometimes in plea bargaining. Prosecutors must base their decisions on the law and the public interest, within a system that seeks to balance efficient prosecution with the protection of procedural rights.

In Austria, Staatsanwaltschaften perform analogous functions and form part of the judiciary. They direct investigations, review evidence, and file charges with the appropriate court. They represent the public interest in criminal proceedings and supervise police investigations to ensure legality and respect for the rights of the accused and victims. The network is organized at multiple levels, with district and higher public prosecutor's offices coordinating their work.