Academic analysis of federal‑state prosecutorial discretion and under‑enforcement of police and sexual assault cases

Academic analysis of federal‑state prosecutorial discretion and under‑enforcement of police and sexual assault cases The passage is a scholarly discussion of legal doctrine and policy, offering no specific names, transactions, dates, or concrete allegations. It highlights systemic issues but does not provide actionable leads linking powerful actors to misconduct. Key insights: Federal criminal law sets a higher mens rea bar than state law, limiting prosecutions.; Prosecutorial discretion is tied to political majorities, affecting cases involving police officers and sexual assault victims.; Federal prosecutors lack authority over most sexual assaults unless a public official or federal property is involved.