## Overview of German Prosecutors (Staatsanwaltschaft) The German prosecutors, collectively known as the **Staatsanwaltschaft**, form the backbone of Germany’s criminal justice system. These offices are independent bodies attached to the judiciary but separate from the courts, operating at both state (Land) and federal levels[1][2]. Their primary mandate is to investigate crimes, prosecute offenders, and oversee the execution of criminal sentences, ensuring the rule of law is upheld across the country[1][2]. ## Structure and Functions The organization is **hierarchically structured**, with public prosecutor’s offices established at regional and higher regional courts, each led by a Senior Public Prosecutor[1][3]. Departments are specialized—handling general criminal cases, economic crimes, capital offenses, and juvenile law—reflecting the complexity and scale of modern justice[3]. At the apex is the **Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office (Generalbundesanwaltschaft, GBA)**, based in Karlsruhe and Leipzig, which deals with crimes of national significance, especially those involving state security, terrorism, espionage, and international law[4][5][6]. Prosecutors have broad investigative powers: they can direct police inquiries, summon witnesses, and even request judicial orders for evidence collection[2]. While the police conduct initial investigations, the prosecutor’s office reviews all findings and decides whether to press charges or drop the case, guided by the **Legalitätsprinzip** (principle of legality), which obliges them to pursue all prosecutable offenses[2]. ## Historical Context The modern German prosecution system has roots in 19th-century legal reforms, which sought to separate judicial and prosecutorial functions for greater fairness. Over time, the system evolved to address new challenges, such as economic crime and transnational threats, leading to the creation of specialized divisions and the federal office[1]. ## Key Achievements and Current Status German prosecutors are recognized for