CCJ-2020 Chapter 10: Ch. 10 -- Prosecution and Defense
11 Feb 2017
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Document Summary
Make discretionary decisions on whether or not to pursue cases, what charges should be given, and sentencing. State attorney general: a state"s chief legal officer, usually responsible for both civil and criminal matters: power to bring prosecution in cases, some also direct local prosecutions. Prosecuting attorneys: a legal representative of the state with sole responsibility for bringing criminal charges: handle majority of cases. Politics and prosecution: typically elected in local elections and serve four years, can use position to springboard into higher political offices, power comes from legal duties but politics influences the process. Chose cases to gain voter approval: concern (and some evidence) that this causes discrimination. The prosecutors influence: great deal of influence because they are involved in all aspects of the criminal justice system, links with other people in system influence outcomes. Act tough in front of tough judge, more lenient in front of others.
