The ____________ is the most influential of the courthouse actors.

The prosecutor is considered the most influential of the courthouse actors due to their significant role in the criminal justice system. Their decisions can profoundly affect the outcomes of cases, including whether to file charges, what charges to file, and whether to pursue plea deals. Prosecutors possess the discretion to decide which cases to prioritize and have the power to shape the direction of a case from the outset. Their recommendations and strategies heavily influence the courtroom dynamics and can sway judges, jurors, and defense attorneys.

While the judge has an important role in maintaining legal proceedings and ensuring fairness, and jurors contribute to the decision-making process, it is the prosecutor who often initiates the legal actions that drive the entire case. The defense attorney, while vital in representing the accused, operates within the parameters set by the prosecutor and the court. Therefore, the prosecutor holds a unique position of influence within the structure of courthouse actors.