In New York, who prosecutes offenses on behalf of the People?

• A. Police officer
• B. Defense attorney
• C. District attorney or attorney general
• D. Court clerk

Answer: (C)

In New York, prosecutions are carried out by attorneys who act on behalf of the People of the state. In most criminal cases, the prosecuting authority is the district attorney for the county where the offense occurred. The district attorney reviews evidence, files charges, and leads the case at trial for the People. The attorney general serves as the state's top lawyer and handles prosecutions that involve statewide interests or issues that require statewide authority, such as certain public corruption or consumer protection cases. Police officers are investigators, not prosecutors; defense attorneys represent the accused; court clerks manage court records and filings.