This book offers an important comparative account of one of the most elusive yet essential concepts underpinning criminal prosecution: public interest. With precision and depth, it explores how public interest shapes prosecutorial discretion across diverse jurisdictions, from Scotland's broad gatekeeping powers to Türkiye's tightly regulated framework, and from England and Wales to China, North Macedonia, Ukraine and beyond. The breadth of coverage, combined with the thoughtful normative reflections woven throughout, results in a collection that brings clarity and coherence to an often overlooked area of criminal law. In particular, the volume provides critical insights into how public interest functions at the core of prosecutorial decision-making choices, balancing fairness and efficiency, and shaping the legitimacy of prosecution itself. This is an indispensable work for criminal law and justice scholars, practitioners, and anyone seeking to understand the powerful role public interest plays in shaping criminal justice systems worldwide.

Louise Kennefick, Senior Lecturer in Criminal Law at the University of Glasgow, SCT

Public interest is a concept that permeates multiple dimensions of law-most prominently criminal law-yet remains deeply contested and context-dependent. This important volume brings together leading scholars from a wide range of legal traditions to examine how public interest is understood and operationalised in prosecutorial decision-making across jurisdictions. Its comparative scope and critical insights make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the evolving role of prosecutors and the normative frameworks that underpin criminal justice.

Micheál Ó Floinn, Senior Lecturer in Criminal Law at the University of Glasgow, SCT