What is Commonwealth?

Numerous definitions can be applied to the term commonwealth. In its loosest form, commonwealth means for the common or public good, and is often a state formed for the common good of the people. The term commonwealth can also apply to a group of nations that have a loose alliance for the good of all members of each nation.

Several US states have commonwealth designation. These are Virginia, Massachusetts, Kentucky, and Pennsylvania. The commonwealth designation was important as these states originally defined their governance in direct opposition to the governance of the British Empire. The designation now lacks meaning and has merely been retained as a salute to the past history of rebellion that freed the US from British rule.

Some US territories are also organized as commonwealths. These territories, like Puerto Rico, are not entitled to the same rights and benefits as recognized states. For example Puerto Rico’s designation as a commonwealth implies an ongoing relationship with the US, but does not imply statehood.

One of the largest commonwealths is the Commonwealth of Nations, nations formerly part of the British Empire. This commonwealth is headed by Queen Elizabeth II and implies fellowship, but not rule over former British territories like New Zealand and Canada. The Commonwealth of Nations comprises 53 nations, each with their own self-governance.

Another large commonwealth is the alliance of over 10 countries formerly belonging to the USSR. These ties can often help smaller countries gain larger political power because of the unifying force of a commonwealth. The commonwealth of this type, however, does not hold the same type of political power as for example the United Nations. But those countries belonging to the United Nations may gain strength by voting together for those issues which are likely to impact their commonwealth most.

A commonwealth does not necessarily imply the same sort of government. Commonwealths connecting nations may be composed of monarchies, democracies and socialist states. Most often the commonwealth is thought of as somewhat democratic or republic in principal, with a greater value on individual rights of people, and public influence in the political process.

What is a District Attorney?

A district attorney (DA) is an appointed or elected official who is responsible for prosecuting people accused of crimes in a particular district. You may also hear terms like “commonwealth attorney,” “crown attorney,” or “state's attorney” to refer to people in similar positions around the world. The responsibilities of a district attorney are myriad and quite complex, and he or she is usually supported by a large staff which includes other qualified attorneys, researchers, legal assistants, and so forth.

In many areas, a district attorney also decides whether or not a case will go to trial. For example, law enforcement may present a district attorney with evidence which strongly suggests that someone is guilty of murder. If the DA thinks that the evidence is strong and it will hold up in court, he or she will charge the suspect and bring him or her to trial, leading the team of prosecutors who attempt to get a conviction.

The district attorney represents the government, working with a variety of other officials. Typically he or she only works within a particular district, while an Attorney General oversees a state or nation, dispatching assistants to prosecute crimes of a more far reaching nature. In the United States, a district attorney does not prosecute federal crimes; this is reserved for US Attorneys, federal employees, who work in all US states.

District attorneys also work extensively in victim advocacy, as part of their role as prosecutors. DA's often assist victims of violent crime with getting compensation from victims funds, for example, or they may seek reparations in the process of a criminal trial. In a large district attorney's office, specific staff members may be in charge of victim services, providing resources which may be useful for victims of crimes.

The DA's office tends to be under a lot of pressure in most regions, with people holding the district attorney personally responsible if they feel that justice has not been meted out in a crime. District attorneys also face flak over plea bargains and other political moves which may seem on the surface to provide unfair deals to criminals. Especially in urban areas, where rates of crime tend to be higher, the district attorney may be a politician every bit as much as he or she is a lawyer, engaging in a complex dance with a number of agencies and the public in an attempt to keep everyone happy.