In federal courts, who is typically responsible for prosecuting cases?

In federal courts, the responsibility for prosecuting cases lies with the U.S. attorney. U.S. attorneys are appointed by the President and serve as the principal federal prosecutors in each of the 94 federal judicial districts. They handle the prosecution of federal crimes, including offenses that violate federal laws and regulations.

U.S. attorneys also represent the United States in civil litigation and have a crucial role in enforcing federal laws. Their responsibilities may include overseeing investigations, making charging decisions, and appearing in federal court to present cases. This position is critical in the federal judicial system, as it ensures that federal laws are upheld consistently and effectively across the country.

In contrast, titles such as district attorney, state's attorney, and commonwealth attorney refer to local or state-level prosecutors who handle offenses under state law, rather than federal law. Therefore, the U.S. attorney is uniquely positioned to deal with matters that arise in the federal system, highlighting their essential role in federal court proceedings.