District attorney

A district attorney is the title of an American public official who represents the government in the prosecution of criminals. Because different levels of government in the U.S. operate independently of one another, there are many differences between persons who perform this function at the federal, state, and county levels.

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The proper title for a federal prosecutor is United States Attorney. Such officers are appointed by the President of the United States, serves under the Attorney General, and prosecute cases in the district courts of the federal government.

Related Topics:
United States Attorney - President of the United States - Attorney General - District courts

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Most states also have an Attorney General who oversees prosecutions throughout the state. A district attorney of a state is often called a state's attorney. However, the district attorney of a county (often called the county attorney) usually serves as the chief prosecutor for the county, holding the highest office in the county's legal department, and supervising a staff of assistant district attorneys.

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Depending on the system in place in the particular state or county, district attorneys may be appointed by the chief executive of the region, elected by the people, or hired directly by the supervisor of the particular office in which they work.

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The equivalent position within England and many Commonwealth countries is the Director of Public Prosecutions.

Related Topics:
England - Commonwealth - Director of Public Prosecutions

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