PST is a police body with the authority to lead prosecutions, which runs investigations.
The terms “prosecuting authority” and “prosecuting powers”
The term “prosecuting powers” is used to describe the specific power to decide on certain matters and implement such decisions, and the “prosecuting authority”, public entities that have the authority to perform such specific activity.
Chapter 6 of the Criminal Procedure Act stipulates who the officials of the prosecuting authority are and how the functions of the prosecuting authority should be carried out. Detailed provisions are contained in the Code of practice for prosecutors.
Officials with prosecuting powers
In Norway, the prosecuting authority consists of the Director General of Public Prosecutions, the public prosecutors, chiefs of police and police prosecutors. The Director General and Deputy Director General of PST are granted prosecuting powers on the same footing as the chiefs of police. Section 55 of the Criminal Procedure Act lists officials who are members of the prosecuting authority.
Main functions of the prosecuting authority
The functions of the prosecuting authority can be summed up as follows:
· to investigate criminal acts;
· to decide whether a prosecution should be instituted;
· to apply to the court for coercive measures (if necessary, to ensure that such measures are applied);
· to prepare and prosecute criminal cases on behalf of the state; and
· to make decisions concerning the execution of sentences imposed.