Legal professionals who represent the government in criminal cases, responsible for presenting evidence against defendants and seeking justice for crimes. They decide which cases to pursue and what charges to file.
From Latin 'prosecutus', past participle of 'prosequi' meaning 'to pursue' or 'follow after'. The legal role developed as societies created formal justice systems requiring dedicated advocates for the state's interests.
Prosecutors wield enormous power in the justice system - their decisions about which cases to pursue and what charges to file can determine someone's entire future. Yet they must balance seeking justice with protecting the rights of the accused, making theirs one of the most ethically complex professions.
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