Who is considered the prosecuting attorney?

The prosecuting attorney is defined as a state or governmental representative responsible for bringing criminal charges. This role is pivotal in the legal system, as the prosecuting attorney is tasked with presenting the case against an individual accused of a crime. Their duties include determining whether there is sufficient evidence to file charges, gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and ultimately representing the government in court to seek justice.

This role is distinct from a defense attorney, who advocates for the accused, an advisor to the jury, who does not take sides but assists the jury in understanding legal principles, and a member of law enforcement, who may support the prosecution but does not perform the prosecutorial functions themselves. The prosecuting attorney's primary function revolves around managing criminal prosecutions, making their role critical in maintaining the rule of law and public safety.