Prosecutorial discretion is the decision-making power of prosecutors, which is based on the wide range of choices available to them. List and define three of these areas. Include the benefits and pitfalls of each area

What will be an ideal response?


Discretion is available in the handling of criminal defendants, the scheduling of cases for trial, and the acceptance of negotiated pleas. The most important form of prosecutorial discretion lies in the power to charge, or not to charge, a person with an offense. Before a case comes to trial, the prosecutor may decide to accept a plea bargain, divert the suspect to a public or private social service agency, ask the suspect to seek counseling, or dismiss the case entirely for lack of evidence or for a variety of other reasons. Prosecutors also play a significant role before grand juries. States that use the grand jury system depend on prosecutors to bring evidence before the grand jury and to be effective in seeing indictments returned against suspects.

Criminal Justice

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Due process advocates oppose ?street justice.?

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Criminal Justice

Formal cooperation has long taken place between the federal government and security practitioners in the defense industry

Indicate whether the statement is true or false

Criminal Justice

In 2004, the _________ was signed into law, increasing existing penalties for the crime of identity theft.

Fill in the blank(s) with the appropriate word(s).

Criminal Justice

Why do most lawyers practice civil law?

a. it is more lucrative b. they have higher prestige c. they have fewer problems dealing with clients d. all of these answers are correct

Criminal Justice