INDEPENDENT COUNSEL Meaning and
Definition
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Independent counsel refers to a legal position that is appointed in the United States to conduct investigations and prosecute criminal activities involving government officials. An independent counsel is an attorney who is granted a significant level of autonomy and power to investigate potential misconduct or criminal behavior within the government, particularly those involving high-ranking officials.
The role of an independent counsel emerged as a response to concerns about potential conflicts of interest when investigating government officials. The independent counsel typically operates outside the normal hierarchy and supervision of the government, allowing for an impartial and unbiased investigation. They are appointed by a specific process, often through the U.S. Department of Justice, and are granted significant independence in conducting their investigation.
The main responsibility of an independent counsel is to investigate allegations of misconduct and determine whether any criminal charges should be brought against government officials. They have the authority to issue subpoenas, convene grand juries, and request documents and testimony from witnesses. The independent counsel is expected to act autonomously and without undue influence from political or governmental forces, ensuring the integrity of the investigation.
The position of an independent counsel is temporary and typically ends once the investigation is completed, and any resulting prosecutions have been concluded. The purpose is to ensure an unbiased and thorough investigation into allegations of government misconduct while maintaining public trust in the justice system.
Common Misspellings for INDEPENDENT COUNSEL
- undependent counsel
- jndependent counsel
- kndependent counsel
- ondependent counsel
- 9ndependent counsel
- 8ndependent counsel
- ibdependent counsel
- imdependent counsel
- ijdependent counsel
- ihdependent counsel
- insependent counsel
- inxependent counsel
- incependent counsel
- infependent counsel
- inrependent counsel
- ineependent counsel
- indwpendent counsel
- indspendent counsel
- inddpendent counsel
- indrpendent counsel
Etymology of INDEPENDENT COUNSEL
The word "independent counsel" is composed of two parts:
1. Independent: The term "independent" originated from the Latin word "independens", which is the present participle of the verb "indepēndēre", meaning "not being influenced or controlled by others". It combines the prefix "in-" (meaning "not") and "dependēre" (meaning "to hang down" or "to hang from"). Over time, "independent" came to signify autonomy, self-governance, and freedom from outside control.
2. Counsel: The word "counsel" can be traced back to the Old French term "conseil", which derives from the Latin word "consilium". "Consilium" referred to advice, consultation, or deliberation. It is closely related to the Latin verb "consulere", meaning "to deliberate" or "to take counsel".
