Lawyer vs. Prosecutor — What's the Difference?

A professional trained in law and licensed to practice.

A lawyer who seeks to prove the guilt of a defendant on behalf of the state.

A person who defends or prosecutes cases in a court of law.

A legal representative of the government in criminal cases.

An individual who provides legal advice and representation.

An attorney who initiates and conducts proceedings against someone in a criminal trial.

An expert in legal matters and judicial proceedings.

A legal official who represents the government in court, especially in criminal cases.

An advocate or counselor who handles legal cases.

The chief legal officer in certain jurisdictions responsible for bringing criminals to justice.

A lawyer or attorney is a person who practices law, as an advocate, attorney at law, barrister, barrister-at-law, bar-at-law, canonist, canon lawyer, civil law notary, counsel, counselor, solicitor, legal executive, or public servant preparing, interpreting and applying the law, but not as a paralegal or charter executive secretary. Working as a lawyer involves the practical application of abstract legal theories and knowledge to solve specific individualized problems, or to advance the interests of those who hire lawyers to perform legal services.

A prosecutor is a legal representative of the prosecution in countries with either the common law adversarial system or the civil law inquisitorial system. The prosecution is the legal party responsible for presenting the case in a criminal trial against an individual accused of breaking the law.

One whose profession is to give legal advice and assistance to clients and represent them in court or in other legal matters.

One that prosecutes.

A professional person with a graduate law degree that qualifies for legal work (such as Juris Doctor)

One that initiates and carries out a legal action, especially criminal proceedings.

A professional person qualified (as by a law degree or bar exam) and authorized to practice law as an attorney-at-law, solicitor, advocate, barrister or equivalent, i.e. represent parties in lawsuits or trials and give legal advice.

See prosecuting attorney.

(by extension) A legal layman who argues points of law.

(law) a prosecuting attorney.

The burbot.

(law) a person, as a complainant, victim, or chief witness, who institutes prosecution in a criminal proceeding.

The stem of a bramble.

One who prosecutes or carries on any purpose, plan, or business.

Any of various plants. en

The person who institutes and carries on a criminal suit against another in the name of the government.

To practice law.

A government official who conducts criminal prosecutions on behalf of the state

(intransitive) To perform, or attempt to perform, the work of a lawyer.

(intransitive) To make legalistic arguments.

To barrage (a person) with questions in order to get them to admit something.

One versed in the laws, or a practitioner of law; one whose profession is to conduct lawsuits for clients, or to advise as to prosecution or defence of lawsuits, or as to legal rights and obligations in other matters. It is a general term, comprehending attorneys, counselors, solicitors, barristers, sergeants, and advocates.

The black-necked stilt. See Stilt.

A professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice

A lawyer provides legal advice, represents clients, and handles legal proceedings.

A prosecutor represents the government in criminal cases.

Yes, a prosecutor is a type of lawyer who works for the government.

Typically no, prosecutors handle criminal cases on behalf of the government.

Lawyers answer to their clients, their firm (if applicable), and the legal and ethical standards of their profession.

Yes, many judges have backgrounds as prosecutors.

Yes, a lawyer can switch roles if they meet the requirements to be a prosecutor in their jurisdiction.

Yes, every attorney is a lawyer, but the terms are often used interchangeably in the U.S.

The main goal is to prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

No, not all lawyers litigate; some may specialize in areas like transactional law.

The government (federal, state, or local) pays the prosecutor's salary.

Prosecutors seek justice, which may not always mean pursuing a guilty verdict if the evidence doesn't support it.

Procedures vary; some are elected, while others are appointed by government officials.

A defense lawyer represents the accused, while a prosecutor represents the government seeking to prove the accused's guilt.

Lawyers can work in private firms, corporations, for the government, non-profits, or be self-employed.