Prosecutorial Accountability and the Supreme Court

From today’s excellent Huffington Post article on the issue of accountability for prosecutorial misconduct, how the issue has been handled in recent Supreme Court cases, and the next Supreme Court appointee:

“There are five primary means to keep prosecutors from overstepping the bounds of propriety and fairness: (1) criminal courts can overturn convictions obtained as a result of prosecutorial misconduct and dismiss unwarranted charges; (2) juries in civil courts can hold district attorney offices liable for prosecutorial misconduct; (3) professional associations and disciplinary counsel can fine, suspend, or disbar prosecutors who violate ethical canons; (4) district attorney offices can meaningfully train their assistants and punish those who engage in misconduct; and (5) the Department of Justice can initiate proceedings against prosecutors who violate federal civil rights legislation.”

Leave a Reply