prosecutorial

Prosecutorial is an adjective relating to prosecutors or the prosecution of crime. It is used to describe matters connected with the offices, duties, and functions of public prosecutors who represent the state or the people in criminal proceedings.

In many legal systems, prosecutors perform a range of core functions: reviewing evidence gathered by police or other investigators, deciding whether to file charges, bringing cases to court, presenting evidence at trial, and negotiating plea agreements. They may also supervise investigations, issue charging documents, and set enforcement priorities for their offices. The exact responsibilities can vary by jurisdiction and office.

Prosecutorial discretion refers to the authority to determine whether to charge a suspect, which charges to pursue, and whether to pursue the case or to divert, defer, or dismiss proceedings. These decisions typically consider evidence sufficiency, the likelihood of securing a conviction, the public interest, and the rights of defendants and victims. Discretion may also shape policies on bail recommendations, plea bargaining, and resource allocation.

Ethics and accountability are central to prosecutorial work. Prosecutors are expected to seek justice rather than merely to secure convictions, disclose exculpatory evidence, avoid conflicts of interest, and treat defendants and witnesses fairly. Oversight mechanisms vary by jurisdiction and can include bar associations, internal supervisory bodies, courts, and independent oversight offices. In many common law systems, prosecutors enjoy certain immunities for actions taken in the course of advocacy, while other misconduct may trigger civil or disciplinary remedies.

Terminology and jurisdiction vary: some areas use Crown prosecutors, district attorneys, state attorneys, or public prosecutors to describe analogous roles within government legal systems.