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An individual who initiates and conducts criminal cases on behalf of the government and the people is called:

  1. A public attorney

  2. A public defender

  3. A public prosecutor

  4. A magistrate

The correct answer is: A public prosecutor

A public attorney is a generic term for any attorney who works for the public, whether it be as a prosecutor or a defender. A public defender specifically represents individuals who cannot afford to hire their own attorney. A magistrate is a judge in a lower court. The correct term for the individual who prosecutes criminal cases on behalf of the government and the people is a public prosecutor. This person is responsible for gathering evidence, filing charges, and presenting the case in court.