Characteristics of Federal Prosecutors
U.S. Attorneys, also known as federal prosecutors, are considered to be the chief law enforcement officers of the U.S. government. Appointed by, and serving at the discretion of the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, U.S. attorneys are assigned to a U.S. district court within their particular jurisdiction. Supervised under the direction of the Attorney General, U.S. attorneys are responsible for overseeing that justice is done through the prosecution of crimes that violate the laws of the United States.
As an officer of the court, U.S. Attorneys have the power to exercise broad discretion to commence public prosecution with “eagerness and vigor” while respecting and protecting the legal obligations of individuals. Under Title 28, Section 507 of the U.S. Code, U.S. attorneys are responsible for the prosecution of criminal cases brought by the federal government, the initiation and defense of civil cases in which the United States is a party, and the collection of certain debts owed the federal government.
Through the use of broad discretionary powers, U.S. attorneys initiate, conduct, and terminate prosecution by deciding who to prosecute, the types of bargains to strike, and the severity of imposed sentences.
In the criminal arena, the U.S Attorney is responsible for the prosecution of criminal cases involving violations of federal statues or U.S. Constitution based legal obligations. In the civil arena, however, the U.S. Attorney is responsible for federal civil enforcement where the U.S. Government is the plaintiff by suing an individual, company, or another governmental entity for violating a federal statute, constitutional requirement, or a dispute over a contractual obligation. In contrast, in cases where the U.S. Government is the defendant, the U.S. Attorney is responsible for defending governmental agency or officials who are being sued.
Another important role of the U.S....