CROWN ATTORNEY Meaning and
Definition
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A "crown attorney" refers to a legal professional who works on behalf of the government in criminal cases. Also known as a prosecuting attorney, assistant Crown attorney, or simply Crown, this individual represents the state or Crown in court proceedings.
The primary role of a crown attorney is to assess the evidence gathered by law enforcement agencies and determine whether there is enough proof to proceed with a criminal prosecution. They evaluate the strength of the case and make decisions regarding charges that should be filed against an accused person. Crown attorneys are responsible for ensuring that justice is served and that the interests of the state and the public are protected.
Once a criminal charge is laid, the crown attorney represents the state in court proceedings, presenting the case against the accused. They may prepare and present legal arguments, cross-examine witnesses, and introduce evidence to prove the guilt of the accused party.
Crown attorneys also have a duty to act ethically, fairly, and in the interest of justice. They must adhere to established legal principles and maintain impartiality while exercising their prosecutorial powers. Their goal is to secure convictions for those who have committed crimes, as well as to protect the rights of the accused and ensure a fair trial.
In summary, a crown attorney is a legal professional who acts on behalf of the government in criminal cases, working to prosecute individuals accused of committing crimes.
Etymology of CROWN ATTORNEY
The term "crown attorney" originates from English common law and has its roots in the medieval legal system.
The word "crown" refers to the monarchy or the sovereign ruler, representing the authority and power of the state. In England, criminal cases were considered offenses against the crown rather than the individual. The crown attorney, therefore, was a legal representative of the crown, acting on behalf of the monarch or the state in criminal matters.
The term "attorney" comes from the Old French word "atorne", which means "one appointed or constituted". In the legal context, an attorney is someone who is authorized to act on behalf of another, usually in legal matters. The title "crown attorney" denotes that this person is an appointed representative of the crown in legal proceedings.
