Which role in the criminal justice system has the authority to file charges against a suspect?

• A. Judge
• B. Prosecutor
• C. Police
• D. Defense Attorney

Answer: (B)

The authority to file charges rests with the prosecutor, who represents the government in criminal matters. After investigators gather evidence, the prosecutor reviews it and decides whether charges should be brought and what those charges should be. This prosecutorial discretion ensures charges are legally viable and supported by evidence, not based on arrest alone. The police conduct the investigation and make arrests, but they don’t decide what to charge. The judge oversees court proceedings and applies the law, not initiate charges. The defense attorney represents the accused and argues the case, not file charges.