NCJ Number
10324
Date Published
1972
Length
8 pages
Annotation
VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE PROSECUTOR'S ROLE ARE DISCUSSED AND ARGUMENT IS MADE FOR THE PROSECUTOR TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF HIS UNIQUE AND INDISPENSABLE PLACE IN TRAFFIC COURT.
Abstract
THE PROSECUTOR IS IN THE BEST POSITION TO HANDLE THE INTERROGATION OF THE DEFENDANT AND PRESENTATION OF THE EVIDENCE, SINCE HE IS THE PEOPLE'S REPRESENTATIVE AND IS INTERESTED IN SEEING JUSTICE DONE. NEITHER A JUDGE OR ARRESTING POLICE OFFICER CAN ACT IMPARTIALLY AND CONSISTENTLY IN THE PROSECUTOR'S ROLE. A PROSECUTOR CAN AID THE POLICE BY ADVISING OFFICERS IN THE LAW AND ACTING AS A LIAISON BETWEEN THE COURT AND THE POLICE. IN ADDITION, THE AUTHOR SUGGESTS THAT THE PROSECUTOR CAN AID THE JUDGE BY ASCERTAINING WHAT CASES ARE SERIOUS BEFORE TRIAL AND BY GENERALLY EXPEDITING THE ENTIRE JUDICIAL PROCESS. OTHER PROSECUTORIAL RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE SUGGESTING LEGISLATION AND PREVENTING ABUSIVE POLICIES IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF TRAFFIC LAWS.