The Common Prosecutor

43 Pages Posted: 4 Sep 2021 Last revised: 8 Oct 2021

See all articles by Melanie D. Wilson

Melanie D. Wilson

Washington and Lee University School of Law

Date Written: August 12, 2021

Abstract

This is a symposium piece stemming from Loyola University of Chicago Law Journal's Criminal Justice Symposium and my engagement with a panel of experts discussing "Wrongful Convictions, Pleas, and Sentencing." The essay focuses on the role of prosecutors in the system. It contends that we would benefit significantly if more law school graduates--of every ideology, race, religion, gender identity, background, and other characteristics--served (at least a year or two) as prosecutors. We have witnessed the rise of the "progressive prosecutor." Now, it is time for more "common prosecutors" to take a central role in the system.

The homogeneity of prosecutors is well-known and well-documented. As of October, 2020, for instance, 85% (79 of 93) U.S. attorney's offices were led by white men. Yet, the people investigated and prosecuted for crimes are disproportionately people of color. And, LGBTQ and people living in poverty are also disproportionately targeted by our justice system.

Diversifying the office of the prosecutor with more "common prosecutors" is a big step forward toward improving several flaws in our current system. Adding this diversity among prosecutors will improve prosecutorial decision making, increase public confidence in the system, encourage more productive police-citizen interactions, and reduce prosecutor and law enforcement bias.

Keywords: prosecutors, prosecutorial discretion, diversity

Suggested Citation

Wilson, Melanie D., The Common Prosecutor (August 12, 2021). Loyola University Chicago Law Journal, Forthcoming, University of Tennessee Legal Studies Research Paper No. 421, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=3904368

Melanie D. Wilson (Contact Author)

Washington and Lee University School of Law

Lexington, VA 24450
United States

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