The amount of authority held by prosecutors is one of the most serious flaws in the current structure of the criminal justice system. They frequently make choices on charging and plea bargaining behind closed doors, without any public scrutiny or accountability for their actions. This can lead to unequal treatment of defendants and the concealment of information that could clear them of wrongdoing.

Prosecutors have a great deal of leeway when it comes to deciding whether or not to bring charges. Prosecutors have been the target of criticism for a very long time due to the vast discretion they are afforded, and many academics have identified the function of the prosecutor as one of the most significant shortcomings of the criminal justice system. However, the discussion around prosecutorial power has evolved throughout the past few years. In addition, proponents of criminal justice reform regard "progressive prosecutors" as a potentially vital instrument for change.

Because of this discretion, the prosecutor can drop charges, lessen charges, or even give defendants plea bargains. If the prosecution suspects that the victim was acting in self-defense, for instance, he has the option of reducing the accusation to that of manslaughter or dropping it altogether.

However, in addition to this extensive discretion, prosecutors also have the right to select which cases should take precedence over others. Prosecutors must take seventeen considerations into account before selecting which charges to prosecute. In addition to the reasons that have been enumerated, prosecutors have the authority to prioritize cases based on the seriousness of the offense, the punishment ranges, or the statutory labeling. For instance, a prosecutor's office in Virginia recently responded to the pressure brought on by a caseload shortfall by enacting a new regulation that requires prosecutors to prioritize their caseloads.

Before concluding, the prosecuting attorneys in South Africa are required to take into account two crucial aspects. First, they are required to take into account the interests of the general public. In other words, they need to determine if the victim will benefit from the prosecution or whether it will benefit the community. They are also required to take into account the specifics of the offense as well as the background of the perpetrator. When making decisions, prosecutors must do so in a manner that is impartial and in good faith.

There are times when the relationship between prosecutors and police unions is not the best. The connection may be described as being more distant in central urban locations. In areas with a small population, the prosecutor and the police officer could know one another and have a friendly connection. When determining whether or not to press charges against a suspect or to pursue a case, prosecutors frequently exercise their discretion. The prosecutor is in a precarious position because of this circumstance.

It is essential to prevent prejudice and look neutral to maintain the public's trust, which is a vital necessity for a prosecutor's job. According to the survey results, just 37% of people have faith in the judicial system to deal with police-related cases. In addition, it is not common for police personnel themselves to initiate action to disqualify the prosecutor.

Conflicts of interest can arise in various forms for both prosecutors and police officials. As a direct consequence of this, there is a possibility that certain prosecutors have a predisposition against the police in criminal cases. This confrontation has given rise to concerns over the aggression and criminality of the police. It has also sparked discussions over the ineffectiveness of the adversarial judicial system in the local area. The problematic role that municipal prosecutors play in prosecuting police enforcement suspects has been the subject of commentary from many academics.

To prevent injustice, prosecutors and law enforcement officers need to collaborate. Although police and prosecutors are required to respect one another's professional judgment, the incentives they get sometimes conflict with the values outlined in the Constitution. As a consequence of this, having a productive working relationship is necessary for achieving a successful conviction.