Pushing the Envelope: Leadership in Prosecution

• NCJ Number: 156352
• Journal: Justice System Journal Volume: 17 Issue: 3 Dated: special issue (1995) Pages: 291-307
• Author(s): J E Jacoby
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 17 pages
• Grant Number(s): 92-IJ-CX-K033; 93-15-CX-0057
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Survey

Annotation

This paper describes how four locally elected prosecutors in Multnomah County (Ore.), Middlesex County (Mass.), Montgomery County (Md.), and Kings County (N.Y.) adapted the traditional roles of prosecution to meet the challenges posed by complex public problems.

Abstract

The prosecutors integrated the efforts of law enforcement, the prosecutor's office, and the courts with local government agencies, the schools, and the public to address such issues as violence, AIDS, homelessness, drug abuse, and domestic assault. The elements common to their new directions in prosecution included (1) the recognition that crime prevention is a legitimate prosecutorial goal; (2) the most effective results are obtained within small, manageable geographic areas; and (3) success of change is more likely to occur through cooperative efforts or partnerships than by dictum. 13 references (Author abstract modified)