2007-02-27 04:12:12 · 5 answers · asked by cathy l 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Because the real "victim" in a criminal prosecution is the STATE. The laws are state laws (or Federal, as the case may be). Violation of them injures the state's interest in public order and public welfare. Therefore, it is state prosecutors, judges, etc who carry out the prosecution in order to protect the interests of the state and restore order.
2007-02-27 04:33:11 · answer #1 · answered by jurydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There's a difference between criminal and civil trials. In a criminal trial, the "public officials" are the lawyer's for "the public." They are there to ensure that the public is kept safe from criminal activity by having wrong-doers punished.
A civil trial, which is brought by the victim (or the victim's family) is quite different. A civil trial is not about protecting the general public, but about the victim receiving restitution.
2007-02-27 04:21:59 · answer #2 · answered by Jay 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The state is the only one who can prosecute. They enforce the laws. Individuals do not have that right. Victims do have an important role as witnesses.
2007-02-27 04:21:10 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if victims took the law into their own hands, we would not need a police force, and someone could shoot you if you looked at them wrong, and say you threatened to kill them.
2007-02-27 04:19:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I want to ask the same question as the op.
2016-08-23 19:33:23 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋