NCJ Number
18087
Date Published
1974
Length
253 pages
Annotation
A STUDY CONDUCTED IN THE LATE TWENTIES THAT EXAMINES THE PERSONNEL, METHODOLOGY, AND INFLUENCE OF PROSECUTORS IN VARIOUS CITIES AND STATES.
Abstract
THROUGH THE POWERS OF THE SELECTION OF CASES TO PROSECUTE, EVIDENCE GATHERING AND SCREENING, PLEA BARGAINING, AND ATTENDANT DECAY AND IMPOTENCE OF OFFICIAL ASSOCIATES, PROSECUTORS ARE CONSIDERED TO HAVE A GREAT DEAL OF UNILATERAL POWER WHICH IS OFTEN EMPLOYED FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES. CONCLUSIONS ARE FORMED FROM RECORDS OF MORE THAN ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND CRIMINAL CASES, MOSTLY FELONIES, ALL TRIED WITHIN THE SPAN OF A FEW YEARS IN WHAT IS CONSIDERED A REPRESENTATIVE GROUP OF STATES AND LOCALITIES UNDER A VARIETY OF PROCEDUREAL RULES. PROSECUTION PATTERNS IN ENGLAND AND CANADA ARE ALSO EXAMINED.