Certified Legal Professional (CLP) Practice Exam

Which action by the prosecutor could potentially undermine the integrity of the judicial process?

1. Offering a plea deal to expedite a case

2. Conducting an independent investigation

3. Failing to delineate witness testimonies

4. Ignoring evidence that favors the defense

The correct answer is: Ignoring evidence that favors the defense

The action that could potentially undermine the integrity of the judicial process involves ignoring evidence that favors the defense. In a just legal system, prosecutors have a duty to pursue justice rather than solely securing convictions. This responsibility includes the obligation to disclose exculpatory evidence—information that may prove the defendant’s innocence or reduce their culpability. Failing to acknowledge or present such evidence violates ethical standards and could lead to wrongful convictions, thus eroding public trust in the judicial system. By not addressing evidence that could favor the defense, a prosecutor compromises the fairness of the trial and the foundational principles of justice, which demand that all relevant facts be considered. This disregard for the defendant's rights not only impacts the individual case but also contributes to broader issues of injustice within the legal system, making it a significant concern for maintaining the integrity of judicial proceedings. Other actions such as offering a plea deal or conducting an independent investigation, while they may warrant scrutiny, do not inherently challenge the integrity of the legal process in the same fundamental way as ignoring exculpatory evidence, which directly undermines the fairness and righteousness expected in judicial proceedings.