The Power of Prosecutors

As part of a conference titled, “The American Prosecutor: Power, Discretion and Accountability,” the panelists talked about the role of U.S. prosecutors in charging individuals and plea bargaining. The charging and plea bargaining decisions often predetermine the outcome of criminal cases and are therefore the most important decisions that prosecutors make. These decisions are totally discretionary and almost impossible to challenge. The panelists explored the pros and cons of the vast discretion prosecutors exercise when deciding whether to charge or offer a plea bargain in a criminal case.

Professor Steiker served as moderator. After their presentations the panelists responded to audience members' questions.

Opening remarks were delivered by Dean Grossman and Ms. Seaton. close