Virtual Event — “Selecting Prosecutors”
On Wednesday, September 25 we held an exclusive webinar on modes of prosecutorial selection and implications for the rule of law.
The state claims the power to deprive its citizens of property, liberty, and even their lives upon a proper showing in court. The gravity of this power highlights the importance of how we choose prosecutors, and what incentives those prosecutors face when determining what cases to bring and what penalties to pursue. While high-profile prosecutions of political defendants have brought this issue into the national conversation, the underlying questions have broader implications for justice and the rule of law.
Panelists discussed the various methods of selecting prosecutors and their profound impact on the rule of law. We also discussed different approaches — whether appointed, special or independent, elected, or merit-based — and analyzed how each method shapes prosecutorial independence, accountability, and justice delivery. And we went over the strengths and challenges of these systems, offering a comparative perspective on their implications for upholding democratic principles and ensuring fair legal processes.
Speakers
Carissa Byrne Hessick
Distinguished Professor of Law,
University of North Carolina Law School
Mark Osler
Distinguished Chair in Law,
University of St. Thomas School of Law
Lauren Ouziel
James E. Beasley Professor of Law,
Temple University Beasley School of Law
Zachary Price
Professor of Law,
UC Law San Francisco
Gregg Nunziata
Executive Director,
Society for the Rule of Law
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