The American Prosecutor: Power, Discretion and Accountability
On October 26, 2007 the American Constitution Society for Law and Policy (ACS) and the Washington College of Law at American University held an exciting one-day conference on prosecutorial power. Chaired by Professor Angela J. Davis, the conference was entitled "The American Prosecutor: Power, Discretion and Accountability".
A discussion on the power of the prosecutor is both timely and necessary. Recent events in national news, including the proper role of U.S. Attorneys and the allegations of prosecutorial misconduct in the Duke alleged rape case, demonstrate the need to explore this important subject.
The conference opened with remarks by Professor Davis, thus setting the stage for the conference. It then held panel discussions focused on key themes drawn from Professor Davis’ recently published book, Arbitrary Justice: The Power of the American Prosecutor. The panel discussions will were organized on the following topics: "Charging and Plea Bargaining," "Prosecutorial Misconduct," "Prosecutorial Ethics." It concluded logically with "Ideas for Reform" and closing remarks synthesized the major themes of the day.
The event drew upon a range of speakers representing diverse viewpoints for the panel discussions, including law professors, prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges. Professor Michael E. Tigar, internationally known defense attorney, scholar and author, made the keynote address to the conference. The conference closed with a reception, at which Professor Davis was available to sign books.
Full video of the event is available here.
For more information, click here.
For a full agenda, please click here.
