Crime, White-Collar Crime

Do Prosecutors Have Too Much Power?

Watch experts debate the pressing question of prosecutorial power.

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While I’d be inclined to say “yes” and move on with my day, apparently some people still think there’s fertile ground for discussion here. Tonight, Intelligence Squared U.S. hosts another one of their great public debates, this time at the Northwestern Pritzker School of Law (still getting used to that name change).

Taking on this weighty issue are Professor Paul Butler of Georgetown Law (a former federal prosecutor himself) and Judge Nancy Gertner, formerly of the District of Massachusetts and now a Senior Lecturer at Harvard Law, arguing that the justice system provides far too much power to prosecutors. Meanwhile, another pair of former federal prosecutors turned Biglaw partners, David Hoffman of Sidley Austin and Reid Schar of Jenner & Block, argue that prosecutors are not overpowered.

A couple of defense lawyers who think prosecutors don’t have too much power? I’ve got a feeling they’ve only just crossed over to the other side. Give them a few years…

The debate kicks off at 7:30 p.m. Eastern and you can watch the whole affair below. And don’t forget to cast your votes before and after the debate.

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