Honors Theses
Date of Award
Spring 5-2022
Document Type
Undergraduate Thesis
Department
Public Policy Leadership
First Advisor
Kyle Fritz
Second Advisor
Kimberly Kaiser
Third Advisor
John Samonds
Relational Format
Dissertation/Thesis
Abstract
There is perhaps no other actor within our legal system that shares more power and control over the carceral state than the American prosecutor. This thesis examines the powers of the prosecutor at every stage of criminal procedure, how these powers contribute to the carceral state, and how prioritizing prosecutorial policy reform can effectively reduce persistent mass incarceration in the United States. This thesis uses three criteria- effectiveness at reducing overincarceration, feasibility of implementation, and ethical impact- to critically evaluate several proposals for addressing prosecutorial power and discretion. Ultimately, the thesis recommends a combination of three proposals for a more amplified effect: restricting the Federal Joinder of charges, expanding the provisions of Brady v. Maryland to be upheld in plea negotiations, and eliminating the cash bail system of pretrial detention.
Recommended Citation
Jordan, Olivia, "The American Prosecutor and the Carceral State: An Analysis to Address Prosecutorial Power and Discretion in an Effort to Reduce Overincarceration in the United States" (2022). Honors Theses. 2573.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/2573
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