Louisiana Private Investigator Licensing Practice Exam

Who has complete control over every criminal prosecution in their judicial district?

1. Attorney General

2. Public Defender

3. District Attorney

4. Judge

The correct answer is: District Attorney

The District Attorney holds complete control over every criminal prosecution within their judicial district. This position is crucial as the District Attorney, also referred to as the state's attorney or prosecutor, is responsible for overseeing the prosecution of criminal offenses in their jurisdiction. They make critical decisions regarding which cases to pursue, whether to file charges, plea bargains, and the overall strategy for prosecution in criminal trials. The authority of the District Attorney extends to determining appropriate resources, collaborating with law enforcement, and representing the state in court. This role ensures that the legal process is conducted fairly and in accordance with the law, balancing the interests of justice and public safety. In contrast, the Attorney General typically has a broader state-wide jurisdiction and may oversee various legal matters that include criminal prosecutions but does not have specific control over a particular judicial district's everyday prosecutions. A Public Defender represents defendants who cannot afford private counsel, thus serving a very different function in the justice system, focused on defense rather than prosecution. A judge, while they oversee court proceedings and maintain courtroom order, does not control the prosecutorial decisions or the direction of criminal cases.