The Other Half: Challenges of the Part-Time Rural Prosecutor

Abstract

Small rural communities often engage part-time prosecutors. These arrangements save money, but require the part-time prosecutors to engage in private practice to earn an adequate living. The article examines the challenges of engaging in a part-time practice while also working as a prosecutor. It focuses on the significant possibility of attorney discipline arising out of the lawyers’ part-time practices, and the potential challenges posed by part-time prosecutors working as criminal defense lawyers. The article concludes that these often unconsidered costs, along with the possibility of public service loan forgiveness for full-time prosecutorial work, merit reconsideration of the use of part-time prosecutors.