NCJ Number
242464
Date Published
2012
Length
44 pages
Annotation
This paper examines the role of the prosecutor in Washington State.
Abstract
The prosecution function in Washington State is carried out by 39 locally elected county prosecuting attorneys who operate autonomously both from each other and from any central State authority. The results are in some ways paradoxical. At the State level, policymaking is premised on ideas of policy rationality and equal treatment. Washington has long been a leader in development of innovative sentencing and parole initiatives and policies. Prosecutors have played influential roles in their development and have worked to constrain the influence of populist political pressures. Prosecutors long ago developed statewide prosecution guidelines, and local prosecutors' offices have been national leaders in developing internal office policies aiming at consistent and principled handling of criminal cases. At the same time, however, prosecutors have vigorously opposed State initiatives that would limit their discretion. Prosecutors are locally elected and respond to prevailing social and cultural attitudes. As a result, prosecution policies, practices, and patterns vary widely between counties. So do sentencing patterns. (Published Abstract)