What is the main role of a prosecutor in the criminal justice system?

The main role of a prosecutor in the criminal justice system is to seek a conviction. Prosecutors are responsible for representing the government in criminal cases, which involves presenting evidence and arguments to establish the guilt of the defendant beyond a reasonable doubt. They play a crucial part in the legal process by evaluating the evidence, determining whether to file charges, and subsequently advocating for the prosecution throughout the trial. Their objective is to uphold the rule of law while ensuring that justice is served, balancing the pursuit of convictions with ethical responsibilities to seek justice rather than merely win cases.

While the other roles outlined in the options may relate to the broader criminal justice system, they do not define the prosecutor's primary function as effectively. Defending the accused is the role of the defense attorney, issuing sentences is a duty of the judge, and supervising law enforcement is typically outside the purview of a prosecutor's responsibilities, usually belonging to administrative roles within law enforcement agencies. Therefore, the pursuit of conviction aligns directly with the prosecutor's core mission in the legal framework.