In terms of criminal law, what does prosecutorial discretion help to ensure?

Prosecutorial discretion is the authority of prosecutors to decide whether to bring criminal charges and what charges to file. This discretion is crucial in promoting fairness within the justice system. By allowing prosecutors to consider the specifics of each case—such as the severity of the offense, the context, and the available evidence—they can make more equitable decisions that take into account the circumstances of the accused and the community involved. This tailored approach helps to ensure that different cases can be treated appropriately and justly, even if they fall under the same legal statutes.

While other options may touch on important aspects of the legal process, they do not fully capture the primary role of prosecutorial discretion. For example, standardization of sentencing focuses on uniform penalties, which may not always align with fairness. Efficiency in case processing might relate more to managing the flow of cases than to fairness in individual circumstances. Protection of victims' rights is essential, but it operates more as a separate objective than a direct reflection of prosecutorial discretion’s role in promoting fairness.