The prosecutor is an independent administrator of justice who is accountable to the public. The primary responsibility of a prosecutor is to seek justice, which can only be achieved by the representation and presentation of the truth. This responsibility includes, but is not limited to, ensuring that the guilty are held accountable, that the innocent are protected from unwarranted harm, and that the rights of all participants, particularly victims of crime, are respected.
In 2019 the Utah Prosecution Council, SWAP, and the Utah County and District Attorneys Association initiated the formation of a committee to study prosecution policies and practices and to develop best practices or standards of excellence
The committee has and will function as a think tank for prosecutors to stay informed of key issues, developing legal trends, and technology advances. Through its formation, the committee supports Utah prosecutors' mission of being leaders in seeking justice for all those involved in the criminal justice system and of being public servants fully meriting the public's trust. In seeking to achieve these goals, the Utah Prosecutors Best Practices Committee develops and promulgates prosecution professional standards to act as a minimum threshold for all prosecution offices in Utah. These professional standards will ensure justice is delivered uniformly throughout Utah with the highest degree of integrity.
Committee members include representatives from state, district, county, and municipal prosecutor offices. Subcommittees are formed to address issues requiring specialized knowledge, and subject matter experts are invited to work on these subcommittees.
Best Practices Document (v. 2023-11-14)