Punishing the Powerful: A Study of Prosecutorial Misconduct in the Era of Ethics Reforms

Abstract

Within the courtroom workgroup, prosecutors, along with judges, have a lot of discretion. From starting an investigation, to pressing charges, offering a plea deal, all the way through the sentencing phase, prosecutors participate in every phase of a criminal case. Unsurprisingly, with great autonomy and power come opportunities to abuse such power. This presentation will discuss the main prosecutorial ethics reforms of the past couple of decades and how they have influenced the commission of acts of misconduct by prosecutors.