In the justice system, the prosecutor is one of the most basic and important parts. As a person directly participating in trials and interacting with people, a prosecutor has to have a variety of skills and knowledge necessary to accomplish their goals. Generally, a person in this position is responsible for proving a person’s guilt in court, meaning interpreting events and actions in accordance with the accepted law and striving to drive criminals to justice.
With the changes in the social climate, the role of a prosecutor has been changing gradually, especially in the juvenile justice scene. With the increase in the general population, the rates of crime are also rising, which means a larger amount of child criminals. A qualified prosecutor must not only argue for the guilt or innocence of a person but also present as a role model for young people, as a figure of authority in their community (Backstrom).
A person in this position needs to work not only as an advocate of a particular person but the general society and their surrounding community. Decisions of a prosecutor are now made on the notion of overall good, not the benefit of a single individual (Backstrom). Additionally, community values must be upheld and seen in high regard. To ensure that all people in a particular area have the ability to live happy and fulfilling lives, a prosecutor should be aware of the general sentiment in their surroundings. Navigating a balance between the desires of a juvenile possible criminal and the surrounding society is now a primary job of a prosecutor.
References
Backstrom, J. C. The Expanding Role of the Prosecutor in Juvenile Justice. Web.