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Simple English definitions for legal terms
Special prosecutor
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A quick definition of Special prosecutor:
A special prosecutor is someone who investigates a crime independently, without being part of the usual group of people who investigate crimes. This is done to avoid any conflicts of interest or to make sure the person investigating has special knowledge about the subject. In the United States, a special prosecutor is sometimes called a "special counsel" and can be appointed by the attorney general or by Congress in special situations. Some famous special prosecutors include Ken Starr and Lawrence Walsh.
A more thorough explanation:
A special prosecutor is a type of prosecutor who is appointed to investigate a criminal case independently. This is done to avoid any potential conflicts of interest or to ensure that the prosecutor has expertise in a specific area.
For example, in the United States, a special prosecutor is referred to as a "special counsel" and can be appointed by the attorney general to investigate an individual or matter in cases where a Justice Department investigation would present a conflict of interest or in other "extraordinary circumstances."
One notable example of a special counsel is Ken Starr, who was appointed to investigate the Clinton Whitewater scandal. Another example is Lawrence Walsh, who was appointed to investigate the Iran-Contra Affair.
These examples illustrate how a special prosecutor is appointed to investigate a specific case or individual independently, without any potential conflicts of interest or biases.