A prosecuting agent is a lawyer who represents the government in a criminal trial. In legal terminology, the term prosecuting agent can have a different meaning in different jurisdictions, but usually refers to the attorney who conducts the criminal case on behalf of the state or federal government. In some countries, this individual is referred to as a public prosecutor or district attorney, while in others, they may be known as a crown attorney or state's attorney. Some other synonyms for the term prosecuting agent include prosecutor, prosecuting attorney, trial lawyer, or government counsel. Regardless of the terminology used, the role of the prosecuting agent remains critical in the criminal justice system.