What's the job of a prosecuting attorney?

Can anyone explain the role of a prosecuting attorney? I'm thinking about going into law after high school, and this seems like an interesting path. What kind of cases do they usually work on?

A prosecuting attorney, sometimes referred to as a district attorney or a state attorney, is fundamentally the lawyer that represents the state or the government in criminal court cases. Their role therefore centers around commencement of legal proceedings and the prosecution of crimes on behalf of the state or the government. They play a crucial role in the criminal justice system, aimed at maintaining law and order.

The types of cases a prosecuting attorney might handle can vary greatly depending on the jurisdiction and can include everything from minor infractions and misdemeanors to serious felonies. For instance, they may prosecute anything from a petty theft case to a serious murder charge. Their role, however, is not only limited to litigation, it also extends to investigation of crimes.

As the representative of the public interest, their role is not just about winning cases. While they certainly aim to secure convictions in court, they are also responsible for ensuring justice is served, which sometimes means making the call not to prosecute certain cases if there isn't enough evidence or if certain legal principles require it. They also have the duty of arguing against an accused person's bail or parole when they deem it necessary for safety of the public.

One important thing to remember is that pursuing this line of work requires a deep understanding and study of law, strong analytical skills, talent for building good arguments, as well as a strong sense of ethics, since you'll be dealing with individuals' liberties and the protection of society as a whole. It's a demanding yet rewarding career if you are passionate about serving justice and community interest.