Prosecution as a profession

Prosecutors are trained lawyers, with a Master’s degree in law. Some prosecutors have also pursued graduate studies at University.

In addition, most prosecutors have a judicial qualification, that is, they have performed a traineeship at a district court after having earned their academic degree.

At present, the prosecutorial career begins with the entry of a University graduate into a Junior Prosecutor position. These positions are for one-year fixed terms; they are training and practice positions allocated in various prosecution units, for young lawyers seeking a career as prosecutors, judges or advocates to gain experience from prosecutorial work.

The training is provided both locally and at the Office of the Prosecutor-General. It involves practical work: e.g. processing of penal orders and prosecution of cases where the district court is composed of one judge, as well as prosecution of more complex cases where the district court is composed of one judge and three lay judges. The training ends with a final exam. It is supervised by a panel with representatives from the Office of the Prosecutor-General, the local prosecutors, the judiciary and the Bar. Persons who have completed the training and passed the exam are qualified to apply for permanent positions as district prosecutors.

The work of a prosecutor is varied, unpredictable, demanding and at times hard dealing with criminal cases in and out the courtroom. There has been interest in the field, with many applicants to all open positions.

Prosecutor front page

Updated on 7 July 2009