Understanding Prosecutorial Power

Prosecutors decide who gets charged, what crimes are pursued, and how cases resolve. These choices shape justice more than judges or juries.

Key Topics

• Decision-making: Factors behind charging decisions—race, politics, pressure

• Overcharging and plea bargaining: The leverage of stacked charges

• Accountability: How prosecutors are—or aren’t—held responsible

• Reform movements: Progressive prosecution and alternatives to traditional charging

Thought Questions

• Should prosecutorial decisions be subject to public review?

• How can we balance discretion with fairness?