What is a challenge faced by prosecutors in maintaining ethical integrity?

Prosecutors often face the challenge of navigating the dual role of being an advocate for the state while also serving as an impartial overseer of justice. This balancing act is critical to maintaining ethical integrity in their work. On one hand, prosecutors are expected to advocate for a conviction and ensure that justice is served on behalf of victims and society. On the other hand, they hold a responsibility to uphold the legal rights of the defendant and to pursue justice rather than simply winning cases.

This dual responsibility can create tension; for example, aggressively pursuing a conviction may sometimes conflict with the obligation to disclose exculpatory evidence or to avoid pursuing charges that lack solid legal standing. Thus, maintaining this balance helps ensure that the legal process is fair and just. By striving for ethical integrity in both roles, prosecutors contribute to the credibility of the legal system as a whole.

In contrast, managing judicial campaigns, enforcing plea agreements, and making sentencing recommendations, while important, do not pose the same unique conflict of interest inherent in the dual role of advocacy and oversight that prosecutors must navigate daily.