What are two special responsibilities of a prosecutor?

Asked by: Jermaine Pagac  |  Last update: September 30, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (23 votes)

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.

What are a prosecutor's main responsibilities?

Throughout the criminal justice process, the prosecutor works with law enforcement agencies to investigate crimes, determine whether charges should be filed, and prosecute cases in court.

What is the role of a special prosecutor?

A special prosecutor is a prosecutor who is independent of an office that would normally exercise jurisdiction in a criminal investigation—to avoid potential conflicts of interest or to facilitate subject matter area expertise.

What are the duties, role, and ethics of the prosecutor?

The prosecutor serves the public interest and should act with integrity and balanced judgment to increase public safety both by pursuing appropriate criminal charges of appropriate severity, and by exercising discretion to not pursue criminal charges in appropriate circumstances.

Which of the following is the responsibility of the prosecutor during a preliminary hearing?

The prosecutor must show that enough evidence exists to charge the defendant. Preliminary hearings are not always required, and the defendant can choose to waive it. It must be held within 14 days of the initial appearance if the defendant is being held in jail.

Rule 3 8: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor

21 related questions found

What are the special responsibilities of a prosecutor under the rule 5 110?

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.

What not to say to a prosecutor?

Here are a few things to avoid:
  • 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 makes a good 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 5 responsibilities of a lawyer?

Lawyers typically do the following:
  • Advise and represent clients in criminal or civil proceedings and in other legal matters.
  • Communicate with clients, colleagues, judges, and others involved in a case.
  • Conduct research and analysis of legal issues.
  • Interpret laws, rulings, and regulations for individuals and businesses.

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.

Why are prosecutors so powerful?

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.

Which of the following is not one of the duties of the prosecutor?

Final answer: The duty that is not one of the prosecutor's responsibilities is maintaining administrative control over grand jury proceedings. Prosecutors investigate law violations, represent the government in appeals, and may subpoena witnesses, but the court oversees the grand jury process.

What does OSC investigate?

OSC determines whether it is substantially likely that the employee's allegation – or any portion of it – can be proven and whether it discloses a violation of a law, rule, or regulation; gross mismanagement; a gross waste of funds; an abuse of authority; or a substantial and specific danger to public health or safety.

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.

What are three examples of prosecutorial misconduct?

Some Examples Include:
  • Evidence tampering.
  • Failing to admit evidence that exonerates the defendant.
  • Practices like entrapment or pressuring a person to commit a crime.
  • Inducing a plea bargain through threat or unfounded assurances.
  • Intentionally presenting false evidence or witness testimony that's factually untrue.

Can someone press charges without proof?

Types of Evidence Used by the Prosecution

For example, the uncorroborated testimony of an eyewitness is sufficient for a charge and a conviction, if it proves the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. A person may be charged based on the testimony of a witness or victim, even if there is no physical evidence.

What are 3 legal responsibilities?

When individuals agree to serve as board members, they take on fiduciary responsibilities that statutory and common law require. Specifically, they have to comply with three fiduciary duties: care, obedience and loyalty.

Who is the most famous lawyer of all time?

Who Are the Most Famous Lawyers in U.S. History?
  • Thomas Jefferson. We'll start at the beginning. ...
  • Abraham Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln was also a lawyer, though he didn't go to law school. ...
  • Clarence Darrow. ...
  • Thurgood Marshall. ...
  • Sandra Day O'Connor. ...
  • Ruth Bader Ginsburg. ...
  • Alan Dershowitz. ...
  • Johnnie Cochran.

What type of lawyer makes the most money?

Patent Attorney Salary

Patent attorneys are the highest-paid type of lawyers, with an average salary of $185,351, ranging from $119,88 to $285,530. Various factors contribute to a patent attorney's average salary, including experience, firm, location, and subject matter expertise.

What are the duties and responsibilities of a prosecutor?

Generally, duties include deciding which cases to prosecute, presenting preliminary hearings, conducting court and jury trials, responding to motions, and organizing and executing extraditions.

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 is the main purpose of a prosecutor?

A prosecutor is an attorney who represents the government throughout the criminal justice process, including arraignment, hearings, trials, and appeals. Their objective is to uphold justice, whether that means dismissing the case or imposing appropriate punishment in case of a conviction.

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 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.

Why does a prosecutor want to talk to me?

At times, the district attorney might be looking to gather more information, work out plea agreements, discuss the possibility of cooperation, or communicate about the prosecution of a case.