Who represents the state's case in a criminal trial?

In a criminal trial, the prosecuting attorney is responsible for representing the state's case. This role involves bringing charges against the defendant, presenting evidence, and arguing that the defendant is guilty of the alleged crimes. The prosecuting attorney works on behalf of the government, which is seen as representing the interests of society as a whole. Their objective is to uphold the law and ensure that justice is served, which includes proving the case beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction.

The defending attorney, in contrast, represents the rights and interests of the defendant. The judge oversees the courtroom proceedings, ensuring that the trial is fair and that both sides adhere to legal protocols. The defendant is the individual accused of the crime and is the subject of the prosecution's case. Each of these roles plays a crucial part in the criminal justice process, but it is the prosecuting attorney who specifically embodies the state's interests in the courtroom.