The New Roles of The Modern Prosecutor

Author: PCE’s National Best Practices Committee (NBP)

The traditional role of the prosecutor is as a minister of justice who enforces the law and seeks justice. Modern prosecutors are viewing their roles more expansively to include crime prevention, problem solving and innovation. This publication explores the new roles of a modern prosecutor.

Materials

2023 – Yolo County, California PowerPoint – PCE Best Practices Committee, January 27, 2023

2022 – Implementation Guide for Prosecutorial Performance Indicators – Florida International University and Loyola University Chicago –  DuPont, Kutateladze, Liu, Meldrum, Olson, Richardson, Stemen

2020 – A Vision for the Modern Prosecutor – Institute for Innovation in Prosecution at John Jay College- Produced by the Executive Session of the Institute for Innovation in Prosecution at John Jay College

2020 – Prosecutorial Culture Change: A Primer – Institute for Innovation in Prosecution – Lowens, Paul and Terry

2019 – Prosecutor Priorities, Challenges, and Solutions – RAND Corporation, the Police Executive Research Forum, RTI International and the University of Denver – Lawrence, Gourdet, Banks, Planty, Woods, Jackson

2018- 21 Principles for the 21^st Century Prosecutor – Fair and Just Prosecution

Additional Resources: PCE Resource Library – Prosecutors

Author: PCE Staff

PCE at Work: An Annual Recap

Author: PCE

A list of statutes relevant to sealing and expungement as of 2023.

Author: PCE’s National Best Practices Committee (NBP)

This paper details the jobs and tasks that may not have existed in the prosecution office of the past. These positions might be added in an individual office, shared by a group of offices through mutual agreement, or be attached to a state prosecution association. In some offices one person may handle one or more of the responsibilities listed. 

On May 5, 2023, PCE hosted a National Best Practices Committee meeting on caseloads which included expert presenters who explored the study of caseloads and funding opportunities related to caseloads.

On August 3rd, 2023 PCE hosted a National Best Practices Committee meeting on Caseloads Part 2, including a focus on case weight. This section of the meeting focused on the sufficiency required when prosecuting certain crimes.

On February 7, 2023 PCE hosted a Pop-Up on workplace crimes and injustice.

On January 27th, 2023 PCE hosted a National Best Practices Committee meeting on the Office of the Future, which explored topics that the modern prosecutor should consider as they adapt to a changing landscape.