Date of Award
Fall 2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Public Administration (DPA)
Department
Public Policy and Administration
Committee Chairperson
Angela Kline, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Michelle Wade, Ph.D.
Committee Member
Ronald "Ron" Wright, J.D.
Abstract
Prosecutors are one of the most powerful actors in the American criminal justice system, yet there is a lack of qualitative research related to the topic. There is also a lack of policy reform that has affected prosecutors in the way that it has other actors of the system such as police officers and judges. The research seeks to increase understanding of how prosecutors view the discretion and power prosecutors hold and seeks to provide more information on the institutional and organizational pressures that can affect prosecutors and their decision-making process. The study further explores how cognitive biases along with prosecutorial immunity affect decision-making and more importantly, provides first-hand input from prosecutors themselves relating to the discretion they have and how outside influences can affect their decision-making process.
Recommended Citation
Long, Ja'von, "The Powerful Actors Of The Criminal Justice System: Understanding Prosecutorial Discretion From The Viewpoint of Prosecutors. A Public Administrator's Perspective" (2023). West Chester University Doctoral Projects. 231.
https://digitalcommons.wcupa.edu/all_doctoral/231
Included in
Criminal Law Commons, Criminal Procedure Commons, Other Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration Commons, Public Policy Commons, Social Justice Commons