Prosecutor
A public authority that conducts criminal investigations, brings charges where justified, and represents the public interest in prosecution.
In Swiss criminal procedure, the prosecutor’s office leads the preliminary proceedings, directs police investigations, orders or requests certain coercive measures, and decides whether to discontinue, issue a penalty order, or bring an indictment. Prosecutors must investigate incriminating and exculpatory circumstances and are bound by legality and impartiality. At trial they present the accusation and may seek sanctions, while courts remain responsible for deciding guilt and sentence.