Can a prosecutor be a good person?
Asked by: Isabella Mills | Last update: January 22, 2026Score: 4.6/5 (18 votes)
In this oddly polarized context, this essay revisits Abbe Smith's question and concludes that not only can one be a good person and a good prosecutor, but individuals devoted to social justice and concerned about flaws in the criminal justice system should seriously consider a career in prosecution.
What is the personality of a prosecutor?
Sensitivity, a good memory, and close attention to detail are also marks of good prosecutors. Above all, a reputation for fundamental fairness and honesty as well as credibility and trustworthiness must be nurtured. Prosecutors must be comfortable with the myriad of imperfections in the criminal justice system.
What are prosecutors not allowed to do?
Tampering with evidence. Knowingly presenting false witness testimony or other false evidence to a court or grand jury. Asking a defendant or defense witness damaging and suggestive questions with no factual basis.
What not to say to a prosecutor?
- Agreeing to a deal you don't understand: Sometimes, a prosecutor may try to negotiate your charges with you. ...
- Giving them information they don't know: Much like police, prosecutors may also try to act like your friend when speaking with them.
What does a good prosecutor do?
A good prosecutor looks at each case. They understand cops are humans, and humans lie. Good prosecutors will negotiate cases based on the evidence available and not on just what the cop wants. A good prosecutor cares about the community, the entire community that includes people in the criminal justice system.
Can a Good Lawyer be a Good Person? | Ronald Sullivan | TEDxBeaconStreet
Can a victim talk to a prosecutor?
Yes, the victim of a crime can/should contact the prosecuting attorney to speak him about your case.
Is prosecutor harder than lawyer?
Typically, the prosecutor will ask easy soft ball questions like “what did you see?” or “what did you do?” This style of questioning is called direct examination. Direct examination is completely different that cross examination. A prosecutor's job is easier than a defense attorney generally.
Does writing a letter to a prosecutor help?
Such letters can also help the prosecutor understand how a criminal conviction will disproportionately impact you. To put this in more legal terms, character letters can help a prosecutor understand how the interests of justice will be better served through a reduction in charges.
What should you never say in court?
Don't lie about anything, not even white [small] lies. If you are discovered to be lying, the judge may find it hard to believe you when you are telling the truth. Don't argue with the questioner. Don't ask questions back: “What would you do if…”
What are the problems with prosecutors?
Six of those problems are relatively familiar: the power of prosecutors, the discretion they exercise, the illegality in which they too often are found to have engaged, the punitive ideology that shapes many of their practices, their often-frustrating unaccountability, and organizational inertia within prosecutors' ...
What powers do prosecutors have?
Prosecutors decide what, if anything, to charge—a decision that can be life-altering before and after a conviction. Whether a case goes to trial or ends in a plea deal, as the vast majority of criminal cases do, prosecutors play a major role in determining a sentence.
What is the Brady rule?
The Brady decision ruled that the defense has the right to examine all evidence that may be of an exculpatory nature. The prosecution will not only release evidence that the defendant might be guilty of a crime but also release all evidence that might show that the defendant is innocent as well.
What happens if a prosecutor lies?
If the prosecutor lies about the facts that were presented, the defense lawyer will object. If the judge agrees with the defense lawyer he will sustain the objection and warn the prosecutor. The jury will hear all of this and not trust the prosecutor anymore.
Who is the most powerful person in law enforcement?
The prosecutor has more control over life, liberty, and reputation than any other person in America. His discretion is tremendous. He can have citizens investigated and, if he is that kind of person, he can have this done to the tune of public statements and veiled or unveiled intimations.
What are two special responsibilities of a prosecutor?
This responsibility carries with it specific obligations to see that the defendant is accorded procedural justice, that guilt is decided upon the basis of sufficient evidence, and that special precautions are taken to prevent and to rectify the conviction of innocent persons.
Who is higher than a prosecutor?
The state attorney general is the highest law enforcement officer in state government and often has the power to review complaints about unethical and illegal conduct on the part of district attorneys. But only rarely does a state attorney general discipline a county or city D.A. for prosecutorial misconduct.
What annoys judges?
- When you put yourself in the argument. ...
- Asking the judge if he or she has read the material. ...
- Looking and being casual. ...
- Stop making about on everything. ...
- Being nasty is a case killer.
Can you say you don't remember in court?
Do not give attorneys answers you think they want. If you do not remember, say you don't remember – not that you do not know. Do not guess if you are not sure, unless you are instructed to give an estimate. If you make mistakes in answering, correct yourself as soon as you realize your mistake.
How to make a judge feel sorry for you?
You should not attempt to elicit sympathy from the judge. The judge will not feel sorry for you for committing the crime, he or she will feel sympathy for the victim (in the case that there was one). Playing the pity card will simply come across as a ploy to get off easy. If you can help yourself, don't cry.
What makes a good prosecutor?
(a) The prosecutor should act with diligence and promptness to investigate, litigate, and dispose of criminal charges, consistent with the interests of justice and with due regard for fairness, accuracy, and rights of the defendant, victims, and witnesses.
Do prosecutors read character letters?
Your lawyer could also use character letters during plea negotiations with the prosecution side. Perfectly written letters can help the prosecutor understand the personality of the defendant, which may end up resulting in a reduction of the criminal charges.
How do you persuade a prosecutor?
- presenting exculpatory evidence,
- presenting evidence that supports a strong affirmative defense,
- completing a pretrial diversion program,
- testifying against another defendant, and/or.
- pleading guilty to a lesser offense.
Who gets paid more, a lawyer or a prosecutor?
Prosecutors and defense attorneys make comparable salaries, with the caveat that jobs in the private sector typically pay more than those in the public sector.
Who has more power a prosecutor or a judge?
the prosecutor has the most power over your case and your legal future. They have discretion to drop or amend charges, and to some extent over your plea. They would also be the ones able to bring new charges against you.
How long does it take to become a prosecutor?
How Long Does it Take to Become a Prosecutor? It will take at least seven years to become a prosecutor: four years to complete an undergraduate degree and three years to complete a JD program.