• Cethin@lemmy.zip
    link
    fedilink
    English
    arrow-up
    4
    ·
    2 months ago

    I don’t know how any of this works, but I assume some person who “has been harmed” by the actions needs to press charges. I would assume that could potentially be any American. Wouldn’t it be great if Harris did it? The former prosecutor/DA filing charges against the criminal opponent.

    • Hawk@lemmynsfw.com
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      16
      ·
      edit-2
      2 months ago

      In most common law jurisdictions, the executive branch doesn’t require even a victim, they merely need the elements of the criminal offence satisfied.

      Not sure about the US, likely they need her to strengthen the case and won’t bother without her witness testimony.

    • barsquid@lemmy.world
      link
      fedilink
      arrow-up
      4
      ·
      2 months ago

      I don’t think that’s right. In cases where the person pressing charges makes the difference between filing suit or not, it’s like because their testimony is crucial to the case. The government doesn’t need it, though.