Blog

Prosecutorial discretion is the ability to decide if charges should be brought in court and to determine the nature of those charges. This power can be seen in the court system in the United States, where prosecutors are very powerful as a result of prosecutorial discretion. There are, however, some limitations on this power, as prosecutors may not violate civil rights by bringing charges vindictively or selectively, and they can be challenged on their decisions about when, where, and how to bring charges. Ultimately the prosecutor decides what cases to proceed with, what plea bargains to accept, and what charge they file.Other options include diversion for mentally ill offenders. Visit the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and read the FAQ’s about Jail Diversion Programs at: londonessays.com to Pete Earley’s book, Crazy (required readings), readings regarding prosecutorial discretion, and the FAQ, complete a paper where you address the following:What do you think of prosecutorial discretion for the mentally ill? Should the victim’s of the mentally ill perpetrated crimes

be considered and have a say? Should prosecutors have full discretion or strict guidelines? What should the guidelines be?What do you think of diversion, or special mental health courts? Should the mentally ill be held accountable for crimes they commit? Should they be punished or treated? Should criminal prosecution be the first step in a mentally ill person’s mandated treatment?Considering Pete Earley’s son Mike’s case, should prosecutorial discretion be used? Should diversion be used? How?Present your answers in a 2 -3 page paper (double spaced, 12 font) . Use citations from the readings in your paper.Paper Guidelines:
2-3 page research paperAPA format (12-point Times New Roman font, APA formatted title page, in-text and reference page citations, reference page, etc.)Paper addresses all assignment guidelinesPaper is formatted with an introduction, body and conclusionPaper must include a min of THREE scholarly, government or approved (included in the course) sourcesNo unsupported opinions: All arguments must be supported with scholarly, government or approved (included in the course) sources