What is the role of prosecutor?

In criminal cases, prosecutors are responsible for representing not only the interests of society at large, but also those of victims of crimes. They also have duties to other individuals, including persons suspected of a crime and witnesses.

What are the ethical obligations of a prosecutor?

The prosecutor should seek to protect the innocent and convict the guilty, consider the interests of victims and witnesses, and respect the constitutional and legal rights of all persons, including suspects and defendants.

Can police decide not to prosecute?

Before the CPS was formed in 1986, the police decided whether to take cases to court. Today, the CPS decides whether or not to prosecute people in court. In those cases where the police determine the charge, they apply the same principles.

Why is a prosecutor so powerful?

Prosecutors are the most powerful officials in the American criminal justice system. The decisions they make, particularly the charging and plea-bargaining decisions, control the operation of the system and often predetermine the outcome of criminal cases.

Does a prosecutor have to turn over exculpatory evidence?

The rule requires that the prosecution must turn over all exculpatory evidence to the defendant in a criminal case. Exculpatory evidence is evidence that might exonerate the defendant.

What must Prosecutors do before a case is prosecuted?

2.5 It is the duty of prosecutors to make sure that the right person is prosecuted for the right offence and to bring offenders to justice wherever possible. Prosecutors must ensure that the law is properly applied, that relevant evidence is put before the court and that obligations of disclosure are complied with.

Why do police release under investigation?

People suspected of a crime may now be “released under investigation” instead of being given a bail date to return to the police station. This means you have been released from custody without charge and no obligation to return on bail to the police station for the offence for which you were questioned for.