Prosecutors Role in Shaping Equitable Criminal Justice Reforms

Abstract

Original post The contentious topic of the social justice reforms is part of the democratic process in the United States. The prosecutors play a crucial role in the criminal justice systems due to their power and discretion. Their roles and responsibilities are an important step towards reforming the criminal justice system. The Time’s article by Joyce White defines the role of a prosecutor as to ensure that justice is administered fairly and not carrying out favor on a certain party. This article focuses on a case in Birmingham where the victim was convicted by a mere testimony without evidence and full investigation by police. The case was later reviewed by a new prosecutor who termed the judgement as shallow without appropriate interventions. The role of the prosecutor in this article is to conduct justice in an equitable manner; not necessarily securing convictions but seeking justice. Prosecutions should be made using admissible and sufficient evidence to represent a fair process; Joyce in this article represents a just and equitable system that brings enemies together. The Washington post focuses on the categorical refusal of local prosecutors of some states to disregard core criminal laws. This article argues that the prosecutor’s discretion to prosecute some criminal offences such as prosecution and trespass is beyond their discretion. It also questions the trust of the prosecutors in exercising their jurisdiction, citing the Boston case that showed lack of transparency and equity by the prosecutors. Critics on the role of prosecutors in the criminal justice systems are evident. The Time’s article stands out in this discussion. The article defines prosecutor’s role as promoting public safety in a just and equitable manner. The Washington post is about demeaning the criminal justice system and reducing public trust on the institution. I stand in the position on the necessity...