Towards a Super Prosecutor? Exploring Community Prosecution to Tackle Violence in Israel's Arab Community

• In Event: Responses to Political and Serious Physical Violence in the Arab Society in Israel Through Proactive Strategies

Abstract

Community prosecution is a promising yet underexplored arena in criminological literature. This paper explores the work of prosecutors in an innovative national program for collaborative community-oriented action against violent crimes within Arab communities in Israel. Utilizing qualitative semi-structured interviews with 20 senior prosecutors engaged in this program, the study investigates the prosecutors' perceptions of their work with community leaders and welfare workers in Arab communities, as well as their increased involvement in policing activities. The findings reveal that prosecutors view their newfound engagement in community-oriented prosecution as a transformation in their professional discretion, duties, strategies, and ethical framework, presenting opportunities and challenges.

Authors

• Badi Hasisi, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Netanel Dagan, Institute of Criminology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Shadi Akariya, Institute of Criminology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

• Eran Itskovich, Institute of Criminology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem