What requirement must a prosecutor follow when proceeding with charges?

A prosecutor has an ethical duty to ensure that there is a legitimate basis for proceeding with criminal charges, which is encapsulated in the requirement of probable cause. This means that before bringing charges against a defendant, the prosecutor must possess sufficient evidence or reasonable grounds to believe that the person committed the crime. This standard is in place to prevent wrongful prosecutions and ensure that the legal process is fair and just.

Prosecutors must also adhere to their ethical obligations under the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which highlight the importance of pursuing justice rather than merely seeking convictions. Acting without probable cause would violate these ethical standards and could lead to unjust consequences for the accused, including wrongful conviction or punishment.

In contrast, the other choices do not align with the ethical responsibilities and legal standards expected of prosecutors. The option suggesting that prosecutors can proceed without evidence fails to account for the necessity of establishing probable cause. Similarly, the notion that there is no need for probable cause undermines the fundamental principles of justice. Lastly, a focus solely on high-profile cases disregards the broader duty of prosecutors to uphold the law and provide justice in all cases they handle, regardless of the public's attention on a particular matter.