Prosecutor facts for kids
Chief Prosecutor Robert H. Jackson (on the pulpit) at the Nuremberg Trials
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Occupation type
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Profession |
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Activity sectors
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Law, Law Enforcement |
| Description | |
| Competencies | Advocacy skills, analytical mind, sense of justice |
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Education required
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Typically required to be authorised to practice law in the jurisdiction, law degree, in some cases a traineeship. |
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Fields of
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Government legal service |
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Related jobs
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Barrister, solicitor, advocate, judge, magistrate |
A prosecutor is a special kind of lawyer who works for the government. Their main job is to represent the public in court cases. When someone is accused of breaking the law, the prosecutor is the one who presents the government's side of the story. They work to show the court why they believe the accused person is responsible for the actions.
This role is very important in countries that use different legal systems, like the common law system (where two sides argue their case) or the civil law system (where the court actively investigates). In simple terms, a prosecutor's job is to make sure that justice is served when laws are broken.
Contents
What Does a Prosecutor Do?
A prosecutor's main duty is to represent the government or the public in criminal cases. They are responsible for deciding if there's enough evidence to bring charges against someone. If there is, they then present that evidence in court.
Investigating Cases
Before a case even goes to court, prosecutors often work closely with police and investigators. They review reports, look at evidence, and interview witnesses. This helps them understand what happened and if a crime was committed.
Deciding to Charge
After reviewing all the information, a prosecutor decides whether to file formal charges against a person. This decision is based on whether there is enough strong evidence to prove that the person likely broke the law. They also consider if it's in the public's best interest to pursue the case.
Presenting in Court
If charges are filed, the prosecutor then takes the case to court. They present the evidence to a judge or a jury. This includes showing documents, presenting physical evidence, and questioning witnesses. Their goal is to explain to the court why they believe the accused person is responsible.
Working for Justice
Prosecutors are not just trying to win cases. Their main goal is to ensure that justice is done fairly. This means they must act ethically and only present evidence they believe is true. They represent the community's interest in keeping laws safe and fair for everyone.
Becoming a Prosecutor
To become a prosecutor, you need a lot of education and training. It's a challenging but rewarding career for those interested in law and public service.
Education and Training
First, you need to go to university and get a law degree. This usually takes several years of study. After law school, you must pass a special exam to become a licensed lawyer. This exam shows you know the laws of your country or state.
Skills Needed
Prosecutors need many skills. They must be good at speaking and arguing their points clearly. They also need to be very good at thinking logically and analyzing complex information. A strong sense of fairness and a desire to help people are also very important for this job.
Different Types of Prosecutors
The name for a prosecutor can be different depending on the country or even the state. For example, in some places, they might be called a "District Attorney" or a "Crown Prosecutor." No matter the name, their basic job remains the same: to represent the public in legal matters.
See also
In Spanish: Fiscal (funcionario) para niños
