Prosecutor Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of a prosecutor. Feel free to use our prosecutor job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as a prosecutor.
Who is a Prosecutor?
Criminal justice, law and order, and prosecution are similar and interrelated fields. They almost have the same goal which is to preserve the law and ensure justice is maintained in society. Without justice and law and order, the world might become inhabitable. Individuals are tried for different offenses by different courts in different jurisdictions; certain professionals are involved and tasked with the responsibility of proofing beyond doubt that an accused is actually guilty of the crime or offense. These experts are called prosecutors and the process is termed prosecution. Prosecution aims to convict perpetrators of a crime legally. Prosecution institutes or initiate legal measures or proceedings for criminal activities or behavior against an accused. It can be performed by an individual or a team of lawyers working together on behalf of the state or council to develop a case against the defendant. This arm of law enforcement usually has the resources, laboratories, and cooperation of investigators and the police force. Ultimately, the prosecution is a representative of the state and the people at large.
A prosecutor can simply be defined as an individual or a group of individuals who argue and try to convince a judge or jury that a defendant is actually guilty of a crime. They are legal practitioners who have undergone law school and represent the state or federation. They have the power, law chest, and responsibility to ensure that criminals don’t go unscathed. The role of a prosecutor has significant effects on the legal system of a country or state; they represent victims and their families and ensure that prosecution witnesses are protected effectively. Research forms part of the work of a prosecutor, to present a convincing case, these professionals source information from eyewitnesses and investigators, compare it to the law, and present enthralling cases to make sure the defendant is punished for their crime. However, a prosecutor becomes part of a case only when charges need to be filed after the identification of suspects. Although most prosecutors are employed by the government, they have the clearance and authority to prosecute government officials deemed to be corrupt. However, a prosecutor works within the confines of the law regardless of the severity of the crime or offense.
Furthermore, a prosecutor may choose not to press charges even when there is undeniable evidence if they believe that the defendant or offender might or will not be convicted in some settings. Hence, they shelve the charges, discard the evidence, and solicit a voluntary withdrawal of the case or nolle prosequi. A prosecutor may choose to be involved in all stages of a criminal proceeding; they may oversee an investigation, conduct a trial, and follow the appeal process. They are trained not to give false statements in a trial just to get a conviction as well as not to destroy any evidence relating to the case. The different types of prosecutors include the attorney general, state attorney general, district attorney, and county attorney respectively.
Prosecutor Job Description
A prosecutor represents the local, state, federal, and municipal government legally; they research, use, and present evidence to bring perpetrators of a crime to justice. Prosecutors liaise with the police department in most countries to ensure apprehended suspects face the wrath of the law. In some climes, a prosecutor is referred to as the defendant of the people and state. Although they have the mandate to ensure criminals are prosecuted, prosecutors are required not to break the law to convict an accused. Hence, the major duties of a prosecutor include;
- Decide whether to prosecute a defendant or not: A prosecutor uses evidence to decide whether a defendant or suspect is worth prosecuting or not. They use their discretion to decide whether a case is worth pursuing based on the available evidence, witness report, and investigation.
- Coordinate and make recommendations for bail: The prosecutor is responsible for making bail arrangements and recommendations for a suspect during the trial. This may include deciding bail terms, drafting bail agreements, or including bail clauses.
- Negotiate plea bargains: Plea bargains are common during trials. The prosecutor should be able to oversee negotiations for plea bargains with the defense team.
- Prepare cases for trial: It is the duty of a prosecutor to organize and prepare a case for trial. Case preparation involves investigation, research, review of the evidence, witness interview, and collaboration with the police and other law enforcement personnel. Relatively, when both parties (prosecution and defense) fail to agree on a plea bargain, these professionals look for key witnesses and sufficient evidence to form a strong case.
- Present cases at trials: Arguably, presenting compelling cases at trials is one of the most vital responsibilities of a prosecutor. He or she should use their presentation skills to make closing and opening statements.
- Recommend sentences: Although the sentencing of convicted fellows or individuals is at the discretion of the judge, a prosecutor can work with judges to recommend sentences for those found guilty.
- Select members of the jury: Depending on the country, a jury or panel is constituted once a case has been filed. Prosecutors play essential roles in the constitution and selection of the jury. They interview potential members of the jury to select the best and eliminate the ones that conflict with the case.
- Train prosecution assistants and other staff: A prosecutor is responsible for training and onboarding assistants, entry-level employees, interns, apprentices, and other junior members of the prosecution team.
Qualifications
The importance of a prosecutor in maintaining law and order cannot be overstated. Like every career, an individual must meet certain requirements to be employed as a prosecutor. A prosecutor’s qualification involves extensive education, certification, training, and experience. An individual must tick these boxes to be employed in the law and order sector. Therefore, an aspiring prosecutor must present and meet the following to be employed;
Education: The educational journey of a prosecutor is long and interesting; it starts with completing secondary education and ends with passing a bar examination. In between, the candidate must earn a bachelor’s degree and attend law school. The educational process is extensive because the candidates need to know the judicial system and federal laws. They must also get acquainted with state and municipal laws. Thus, the education requirements for prosecutors are described below;
- Undergraduate degree: After high school, the prospective prosecutor must complete an undergraduate degree preferably a bachelor’s degree. There are several accredited institutions and programs for this career including history, law, business, pre-law, and political science. These courses provide adequate knowledge and skills essential for thriving in the career.
- Law school admission test: After completing a relevant undergraduate course, the aspiring prosecutor should register for a law school admission test (LSAT). Passing the LSAT is the requirement for admission into law school. Law is an important angle in the career of a prosecutor. The law school admission test assesses several qualities vital for law school such as critical reading, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning to mention but a few.
- Law school and Juris Doctor Degree: After passing the LSAT, the candidate is admitted into law school. During law school study, they are inundated and taught the basics of law and justice. These law schools are accredited and work according to the standards and guidelines of the profession. At the completion of courses which consists of property law, ethics, contract law, criminal law, and constitutional law, they are awarded a Juris Doctor degree.
- Bar examination: To practice any form of law or prosecution, individuals must sit for and pass a bar exam.
Experience: Prosecution is an important part of criminal justice; hence, an individual needs experience to be employed as a prosecutor. One way of accruing experience is by observing court proceedings in a municipal or magistrate court to learn and witness the art of prosecution. Another way will be to enroll in an internship in a law firm, apply for seasonal employment in prosecution firms, or obtain an apprenticeship with a prosecutor.
Training: The best form of training for an aspiring prosecutor is job shadowing. The best and preferred candidates are the ones who present evidence of training under an experienced prosecutor. When you shadow an experienced prosecutor, you become acclimatized to the field.
Certification and licensing: Finally, employers prefer licensed prosecutors to unlicensed ones. In fact, a license to practice is compulsory in the field of prosecution. In some countries, certification and licensing go hand in hand. To get certified and licensed to practice, the individual must present a law school or Juris doctor degree, pass a bar examination, and ace a fitness and character test.
Essential Skills
Just like qualifications, a prosecutor needs relevant industry-based, soft, and hard skills to succeed in the role. Though some of these skills can be learned while pursuing law school education, others need to be harnessed and nurtured. Nevertheless, these skills are important in the daily activities of a prosecutor and include;
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: These skills are unique and vital in the daily life of a prosecutor. Whether they are prosecuting suspected criminals or assisting with investigations, prosecutors need to think critically to make the right decisions always. Also, problems might arise during prosecution or court sessions for example; a prosecutor needs problem-solving skills to remedy the situation as soon as possible.
Analytical skills: Analysis of a particular situation requires excellent analytical skills; these professionals need this skill to separate credible information from non-credible and false ones. Relatively, analytical skills can be used to review, prepare, and compile facts and evidence needed for a trial.
Organization skills: To convince a judge or jury that a case or prosecution is valid, organization skills are needed. This skill helps the prosecutor to coherently research and organize the facts for a particular case.
Interpersonal skills: Though some court sessions seem to be like battlegrounds, a prosecutor needs good interpersonal skills to work in harmony with others. To successfully convince witnesses to testify, build relationships with people, and gather information, a prosecutor needs to be a people person.
Communication skills: Communication is important in prosecution. To relay information to coworkers and superiors, these professionals need excellent written and oral communication skills. In addition, this skill enables you to explain the nature of the task to victims, law enforcement, and witnesses.
Presentation skills: You may have all the facts for a case; you may have witnesses ready to testify, and a case might appear to be going in your favor; however, you need to give a resounding presentation to convince a judge. This requires outstanding presentation skills.
How to Become a Prosecutor
Prosecutors ensure that victims of a crime get justice, they present compelling evidence and cases to judges to prove that the perpetrators of a crime are actually guilty. The road to becoming a prosecutor starts from school or education and ends with applications for prosecutor’s roles. The tips below will guide you on how to become a prosecutor.
- Obtain a bachelor’s degree: The first tip on how to become a prosecutor is to complete a bachelor’s degree in law, pre-law, political science, and other related fields. This lays the foundation for further education.
- Pass the LSAT: The law school admission test is the prerequisite for admission into law school. Without it, your chance of earning a Juris degree is hampered. Hence enroll for the test, pass, and seek admission to any accredited law school.
- Gain a Juris degree: After passing the LSAT and gaining admission into law school, complete all coursework, practicum, and examination to earn a Juris degree. Importantly, concentrate or focus on criminal law while in law school.
- Complete internship: During a school or after completing law school, apply for an internship to gain relevant industry-specific experience. An internship in an attorney’s or prosecutor’s office will expose you to the basics of the career.
- Apply for a license: Prosecutors need a license to practice. Therefore, apply for a license, meet the requirements, sit and pass the licensing exam, and obtain a license.
Where to Work as a Prosecutor
Basically, a prosecutor works normal hours usually 40 hours per week. When faced with challenging cases, however, a prosecutor may work extra hours. This enables them to prepare intriguing cases for trial. Generally, most prosecutors are employed by government agencies especially the ministry of justice. Nonetheless, some prosecutors go into private practice.
Prosecutor Salary Scale
Salaries and remuneration for prosecutors differ based on certain factors. A prosecutor with more than ten years of experience will earn more than those with three years of experience and vice versa. Other factors include the nature of the contract and agreement and location. Hence, a prosecutor earns an average salary of $95,849 annually.
