How to Become A Public Prosecutor In South Africa

A Public Prosecutor charged with the investigation and prosecution of punishable acts on behalf of the state or an international commission

What is Public Prosecutor role?

The duty of the Public Prosecutor is to represent the State and not the police. A Public Prosecutor is an important officer of the State Government and is appointed by the State under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973. She/he is not a part of the investigating agency. She/he is an independent statutory authority.

Who is Public Prosecutor Class 8?

A public prosecutor represents the state in any criminal case. It is because a crime is considered a crime against the entire society. After the completion of the enquiry by the police, the public prosecutor begins the prosecution on behalf of the state.

Who appoints the public prosecutor?

Prosecutors Sub-section (1) provides: “The State Government shall appoint in every district one or more Assistant Public Prosecutors for conducting prosecutions in the courts of magistrates.” dealt with the appointment of Public Prosecutors.

CAREER REQUIREMENT

Required EducationJ.D.
Other RequirementsState bar license
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)*4% for all lawyers
Average Salary (2019)$65,123**

Below are steps to Become A Public Prosecutor In South Africa

Step 1: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree Program

While there is no required undergraduate major, students may benefit from taking courses that improve their reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills. Many pre-law students earn degrees in political science, English, or philosophy.

Step 2: Prepare for Law School Admission Test

Following undergraduate studies, prospective prosecutors must attend three years of law school to earn their Juris Doctor (J.D.) degrees. Admission to law school is competitive and contingent on students’ Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores. This test measures necessary qualities for law school by assessing reading comprehension, analytical, and logical reasoning skills, according to the Law School Admission Council.

Step 3: Complete Law School

Law school is a three-year commitment for full-time students. During the first half of law school, students gain core knowledge by learning about necessary components of the law, including contracts, torts, and civil procedure.

In the final half of law school, students study topics in specializations of their choosing, such as tax or corporate law. Prospective prosecuting attorneys may want to consider studying criminal law to prepare for the career.

Step 4: Pass the Bar Exam

Attorneys must become licensed by passing the written bar exam upon completion of law school. The exam is administered through each state. According to the BLS, most states require passage of the Multistate Bar Examination, and some states also require attorneys to pass ethics exams and other state-specific tests.

Step 5: Gain Experience

Prosecuting attorneys must feel comfortable in courtrooms, so trial experience may be beneficial. They must also have an understanding of their communities’ needs and the motivations driving lawbreakers.

Successful prosecution can lead to an individual’s loss of rights, and so a criminal prosecution lawyer must use discretion, perform a careful research, and seek justice.

How long does it take to become a prosecutor in South Africa?

The programme runs for twelve months, after which the completion thereof enables competent candidates to be appointed at entry-level prosecutorial positions in the NPA. The programme helps to ensure that quali ed prosecutors provide additional prosecutorial capacity in the lower courts.

What to study to become a prosecutor In South Africa?

Required studies and experience

To become a public prosecutor, you need to complete a four-year LLB degree. When applying for a job, you will need to pass a prosecutor’s entry examination. Students then go for training for eight months, after which they are qualified to practise as a prosecutor.

How many years does it take to become a prosecutor In South Africa?

Becoming a prosecuting attorney requires earning a bachelor’s degree and a Juris Doctor (J.D.), which involves a minimum of seven years of postsecondary education.

What skills do you need to be a prosecutor In South Africa?

Important qualities of a prosecution attorney include strong communication skills, enthusiasm for public service, charisma and an ability to handle high-pressure situations. In addition to a law degree, experience is key.

What are the duties of prosecutors In South Africa?

Prosecutor Job Description

Working with police officers and court staff.

Instructing and advising counsel in court.

Liaising with criminal justice and law enforcement agencies.

Ensuring that criminals are punished fairly.

Screening possible criminals.

Handling appeals.

Preparing criminal cases for pre-trial and trial.

Do prosecutors have clients In South Africa?

prosecutor can best be conceptualized as a lawyer with no client but with several important constituencies,” including the police, victims of crime, other government agencies and the courts).

Who is the prosecutor in a criminal case In South Africa?

A prosecutor is the government attorney who charges and tries cases against individuals accused of crimes.