LawCast BC

The role of prosecutors in criminal justice and the rule of law

June 24, 2021 The Law Society of BC Season 1 Episode 12
LawCast BC
The role of prosecutors in criminal justice and the rule of law
Show Notes


What exactly does a prosecutor do? And whose interests do they represent? Senior prosecutor Christopher McPherson, QC walks us through the role and duties of a prosecutor and the standards that must be met before prosecutors decide to lay a charge. We discuss the importance of prosecutorial independence,  their separation from the investigation and the police, and why prosecutors don't represent the government's or the victims interests. Chris highlights the relationship prosecutors have with criminal defense lawyers and how they also play a key role in the justice system. Lastly, Chris talks about the rare occurrences of wrongful convictions, how new evidence might be discovered and what recourses people have.

Christopher McPherson, QC has been a prosecutor for nearly 22 years and has prosecuted over 40 homicide cases.

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