What is the difference between a prosecutor and a defendant

Working for the prosecution team, you could help protect the public from a lot of dangerous people. You might also help desperate people find mercy, restitution and a second chance. As a member of the defense team, you could help give a voice to those who are facing one of the most difficult times in their lives. You could help protect their right to an education, employment and a future unburdened by a criminal record.

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Rasmussen University may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Please visit www. Here's a breakdown of salaries for defense lawyers and prosecutors at different stages of their careers:. A prosecutor only works on criminal cases. A defense lawyer has the option of working on criminal or civil cases; in rare cases, she may represent clients in both arenas. Generally, a civil action begins when a plaintiff files a petition in court against a defendant. The plaintiff is usually trying to show that the defendant did something wrong such as breach of contract, and win monetary damages as compensation.

It's a civil defense attorney's job to represent a defendant in civil litigation at every stage of the case. Unlike with a criminal case, however, the defendant must hire his own civil defense lawyer. The government will not step in if the defendant cannot afford to go to court. Cochran has also famously defended Sean Combs aka P. Anne Bremner represented American Amanda Knox when she was charged with the murder of her roommate in Italy while studying abroad. Knox was found guilty, but the verdict was eventually overturned.

Clarence Darrow defended teacher John T. Scopes in The State of Tennessee v. Scopes trial—aka the Scopes Monkey Trialvin which Scopes was accused of violating a law that forbade teaching evolution. Scopes was found guilty, but the verdict was later thrown out on a technicality. Both defense attorneys and prosecutors come with their own set of challenges and pressures in their day to day, the question is: Which appeals to you the most? The person or group bringing the case is referred to as the prosecution.

The prosecution is responsible for gatherings police reports, determining and presenting evidence, researching facts and interviewing any witnesses. The prosecution is represented by a prosecuting attorney or attorneys, who are hired by the local, state or government agency to present their case against the accused. Criminal cases can be very complicated and may require a trial by jury. In criminal cases, a person, also known as the defendant, is arrested, booked and placed in the jail system.

To avoid spending time in jail while awaiting trial, a person or defendant can pay a fee. This fee is referred to as bail. Bail is a financial arrangement set by the court, and a bail bonding agency , on behalf of the defendant, can be used to avoid being held in jail until the court date. In other words, this fee is for the temporary and early release of a person or defendant while he or she waits for a trial date.