Question

Article on role of victim in criminal investigation

Answer 1

Throughout the criminal justice system, prosecutors have wide discretion to exercise their authority in determining what crimes should be prosecuted. This discretion has historic support through both constitutional separation of powers doctrines and public policy. This discretion is based on a variety of factors, including the severity of the crime, the extent of the evidence, prosecutorial resources and other facts involved in the specific case. Victim cooperation and participation in the investigation and prosecution of crime often is a key element in this analysis.