ügyészek

Ügyészek are legal professionals who work within the Hungarian public prosecutor’s office (Ügyészség). Their primary role is to conduct criminal proceedings on behalf of the state, represent the state in court, and ensure that laws are applied fairly while safeguarding the rights of individuals involved in criminal cases. They participate in or supervise investigations, decide on whether to initiate or terminate prosecutions, and oversee lawful conduct of police and other investigative bodies.

The Ügyészség is organized at several levels. At the top is the Legfőbb Ügyészség (Office of the Chief Prosecutor), which coordinates nationwide work. Below it are regional bodies such as the megyei főügyészségek (county offices) and the fővárosi főügyészség (Budapest City Prosecutor’s Office). There are also specialized units dealing with particular areas of criminal law, economic crime, corruption, and other matters. Some prosecutors, known as nyomozó ügyészek, have the authority to supervise and carry out investigative actions directly.

Duties and powers of ügységek include deciding on the initiation or dismissal of criminal proceedings, directing and supervising investigations, issuing orders for provisional measures, filing indictments, and presenting cases to courts. They also ensure the legality of procedures, safeguard the rights of suspects, victims, and witnesses, and contribute to the development of criminal policy and legal practice.

Qualifications and ethics: to become an ügyész, one must be a qualified lawyer and complete the required professional training and examinations. Ügyészek are state officials whose work is governed by constitutional and statutory rules; they operate with professional independence in the performance of their duties, and they are subject to disciplinary and ethical standards, including restrictions on political activity.